VAPZ vs IPT vs POZ: the three pension pots for the self-employed
Building a pension is one of the most tax-efficient things a Belgian director can do — but there are three overlapping tools, and choosing the right combination matters. Here is the plain-language comparison.
VAPZ — the social pension
The VAPZ (free supplementary pension for the self-employed) is paid by you personally, deductible from professional income, and it also lowers your social contributions base. It is usually the first pot to fill because the effective benefit is high relative to the contribution.
IPT — the company pension
The IPT (individual pension commitment) is funded by your company, deductible for the company within the 80% rule, and builds capital taxed favourably at payout. It is powerful precisely because the company pays. It requires a company, so it is a BV/SRL lever.
POZ — for sole traders
The POZ (pension agreement for the self-employed) is the equivalent of an IPT for those without a company, funded personally with a tax reduction. If you are an eenmanszaak, this is your route to the same kind of second-pillar building.
- VAPZ: personal, deductible, also cuts social contributions — fill first
- IPT: company-funded, within the 80% rule — a company-only lever
- POZ: the sole-trader equivalent of the IPT
- They can be combined; the right mix depends on your structure and income
Frequently asked
- Can I have both VAPZ and IPT?
- Yes — they are complementary. VAPZ is personal and IPT is company-funded, and together they are a core part of tax-efficient pension building for a one-person company.
- What is the 80% rule?
- It caps the deductible pension premiums so that your total pension does not exceed 80% of a reference income. It is the main constraint on how much IPT the company can fund.
This article is general information for a one-person company (BV/SRL), not tax advice. Rules and figures change — confirm your situation with your accountant before acting.
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