Belgians contributed a record-breaking €362.3 million to charitable causes during the 2023 tax year, according to a report by FPS Finance on Monday. This marks the highest total ever

recorded. While the number of donations declared in personal income tax filings was higher in the previous year, the overall donated sum was lower.

In total, 1.036 million individuals in Belgium made charitable donations in 2023, a slight decline from the 1.039 million recorded the previous year. However, the average donation per person rose to €350, compared to €337 in 2022.

Charitable donations of at least €40 to approved organizations qualify for a tax deduction. For every €40 donated, the Belgian government reimburses €18, or 45%, to the donor. In 2023, the government returned a total of €163 million in tax benefits to donors.