2023-12-13 05:52:02
Me Pierre-Philippe Hendrickx, lawyer specializing in tax law, still cannot believe the estimated date for the pleadings of a case for which he is responsible. April 2040, a deadline “surprising“, believes the lawyer, “while all parties are ready to plead, even tomorrow“, he adds.
April 2040 is an estimate provided by the computer system of the Brussels Court of Appeal. “If there are possibilities in court, we might be able to plead a little sooner, but sooner is in 6 to 8 years“, explique Me Hendrickx.
A period of time, even 6 to 8 years, remains very long, particularly in tax matters,”where we know that the powers of the tax authorities are strengthened“, believes Mr. Hendrickx. Because following such a long period, what is the appeal still worth?”If you take small independents, a cafe owner, for example, who has his turnover corrected and who finds that it is unjustified, if he has to wait 15 years to have a court decision which, ultimately, gives him reason, this gentleman or lady is on the verge of a nervous breakdown, or even suicide“, declares Me Hendrickx. This jurist sees it as a “lack of legal security, rule of law and tax justice“He talks regarding deadlines.”absolutely mind-blowing“necessary for justice to decide.
And to be ironic. “In 2040, I don’t know if I will still be here. I probably won’t be a lawyer anymore“, says Mr. Hendrickx. “The judge is perhaps someone who has not yet started his law studies.”he adds.
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