A technique called "non-profit bequest" allows you bequeath to part of your assets to Medics without Vacation and at the same time allow your own heirs to benefit.

How does the "non-profit bequest" work?

The "non-profit bequest" is specified in article 64, paragraph 2 of the Belgian Death duties Code. This stipulates that you can lay down in a will that person X receive a bequest, free of death duties, provided that person Y pays the death duties. The advantage of the “non-profit bequest” is in the difference of death duties that a private person pays (up to 65%) compared to MWV (8.8% in Flanders and 12.5% in the Brussels Capital Region).

Example:

Henry G., from Ghent, is 65 and widower. He has no family. By will he leaves 25,000 euro to his friend Peter B.

With a normal bequest:

Henry G. leaves 25,000 euro to Peter B. and nothing to MWV. After his death the inheritance is divided as follows:

	Peter B.	MWV	the State
Gross bequest	25.000 €	0 €
Death duties	11.250 €	0 €	11.250 €
Net benefit	13.750 €	0 €	11.250 €

With a non-profit bequest:

Henry G. leaves 15,000 euro to Peter B. and 10,000 euro to MWV (which pays all the death duties).

	Peter B.	MWV	the State
Gross bequest	15.000 €	10.000 €
Death duties	11.250 €	0 €	11.250 €
a. on 15.000 € x 45%		6.750 €	6.750 €
b. on 10.000 € x 8,8%		880 €	880 €
Net benefit	15.000 €	2.370 €	7.630 €

In this example, Henry G. is able to bequeath a larger sum to his friend and make a donation to MWV.

In every case, so as not to disadvantage any of the parties, the "non-profit bequest" technique can involve complicated calculations. Always consult your civil-law notary.