For many nurses or healthcare assistants starting out as self-employed, accounting seems like a mountain of paperwork. In practice, however, it is perfectly manageable especially with the right preparation and guidance.
Single-entry bookkeeping
Most self-employed healthcare professionals in Flanders start out as a sole proprietorship. This structure is easy to set up, cost-effective, and ideal if you work alone. You can get started quickly, and single-entry bookkeeping is sufficient. Setting up a company may become interesting at higher turnovers, but a sole proprietorship is often the easiest option for starters.
Have you not fully transitioned to being self-employed yet? We explain it step-by-step. Read our step-by-step plan to starting as a self-employed healthcare professional for a clear overview. Our partner, Acerta is also always ready to help you on your way.
What about VAT for self-employed healthcare professionals?
As a self-employed nurse or healthcare assistant, you work under the status of a liberal profession, which means you are exempt from VAT on your healthcare services. Therefore, you do not charge VAT on your hourly rate or on the services you provide to patients or healthcare institutions. You also do not need to file VAT returns, as long as you exclusively provide healthcare services and have no other VAT-liable activities. There are exceptions for non-therapeutic services, but these rarely apply to self-employed caregivers or nurses. More information on this can be found here.
The service fee you pay to ClickCare (e.g., 5.8% excl. VAT) is subject to VAT because it concerns a business service rather than a healthcare provision. This cost therefore includes VAT and is fully tax-deductible as a business expense.
Accounting in 5 steps
- Invoicing through ClickCare: You focus on care, we handle your invoicing.
- Track business expenses: Keep all your receipts and invoices (such as travel costs, equipment...) and record them in your accounts. Check out our blog post on deductible business expenses for more information.
- No VAT return required: You are exempt from VAT on healthcare services, so a VAT return is usually not necessary.
- Single-entry bookkeeping is enough: You keep a neat digital or paper track of your income and expenditures.
- Schedule a quarterly check-in: Set aside a fixed moment every three months to update your expenses and administration. This keeps you on top of everything effortlessly.
Support with your accounting
Keeping track of your accounts yourself doesn't have to be difficult, but that doesn't mean you have to do it alone. You can use a straightforward digital tool like Dexxter to record your income and expenses. Through ClickCare, you get a €25 discount when signing up for Dexxter!
Prefer help from an accountant? That is also an option. Choose whatever fits your way of working best.
What about the new invoicing method from 2026?
Starting January 1, 2026, electronic invoicing via Peppol will become mandatory. This causes questions and uncertainty for many self-employed healthcare professionals, but there is no need to worry! If you work through ClickCare, we take care of your entire invoicing process. From 2026 onward, all your invoices will automatically be sent via Peppol, fully compliant and without you needing to change a thing.
In conclusion
Accounting doesn't have to be a burden. As a self-employed healthcare professional, you can stay fully compliant with a simple structure, a clear overview of your costs, and the support of ClickCare. You focus on care; we ensure correct invoicing and a smooth transition to Peppol by 2026.
