The Author of the Article
Two categories of non-profit organization
International non-profit associations (NPO) are subject to different tax, legal and accounting obligations. In particular, they are obliged to keep appropriate accounting records (full, abridged or micro-model) depending on their size, and to file their annual accounts each year.
The law establishes two categories of NPO, each with its own specific accounting obligations. The four criteria for determining which category your NPO falls into are as follows:
- Five workers;
- Revenue of € 391,000 excluding VAT, other than non-recurring;
- € 1,562,000 in assets;
- € 1,562,000 in debts.
Small NPO
Small NPOs are those that meet none, or at most one, of the above criteria. These associations keep a simplified “debit-credit” accounting model.
Their annual accounts do not have to be published at the Banque Nationale, but only filed with the clerk of the Business Court Registry (art. 3:47, §2 of the CSA). This filing is free of charge. If a NPO fails to do so, it may be dissolved.
For this filing to be considered valid, the following documents must be presented to the clerk's office:
- 2 copies of the annual accounts (the second copy is returned to the NPO's head office as proof of filing). The following must be indicated: company name, legal form, registered office, company number, financial year.
- The minutes of the General Meeting approving the accounts;
- Proof of identity + copy of both sides of the identity card;
Balance sheets must be signed by a member empowered to represent/engage the liability of the NPO. As the law does not specify whether balance sheets must be signed in original or not, the clerk's office accepts a copy of the balance sheet. (The originals will be kept at the NPO's head office).
Other NPOs
NPOs that meet at least two of the four above-mentioned criteria must keep accounting records comparable to those of a company (double accounting), according to a full or abridged model depending on the size of the association.
The annual accounts must be published with the Banque Nationale within 30 days of their approval by the General Meeting. There is a fee for this publication.
The expert's eye
The “Arizona” government has decided to change the rules of the game in 2026 and require all associations, even small ones, to file their annual accounts with the Banque Nationale. This publication should normally be free of charge for small associations. The exact date of entry into force has not yet been made official, but it is planned for some time in 2026.
How can we help you?
Our firm can play a key role in helping your association publish its annual accounts. We offer comprehensive assistance to ensure that all the necessary steps are taken in accordance with current legislation. Here's how we can help:
- Drafting and checking required documents: We can assist you in preparing the annual accounts, the minutes of the General Meeting and other essential documents, while ensuring that they comply with specific legal requirements.
- Advice on legal obligations: With changes on the horizon in 2026, we ensure that your association is fully aware of the new rules and ready to apply them.
- Filing assistance: We facilitate the filing of account statements with the clerk's office or the Banque Nationale, ensuring that all details, including the necessary signatures, are correctly completed and compliant.
- Training and awareness: We offer workshops or training sessions to help your managers better understand their financial and administrative responsibilities.
- Archiving and document management: We advise you on best practices for keeping originals and copies of documents in line with legal requirements.
By calling on our expertise, you can focus on your associative mission with the assurance that your legal obligations are fulfilled rigorously and efficiently.