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Taxes

Everyone living in the Netherlands knows to look out for a distinctive blue envelope that comes in the post. This is from the Belastingdienst (Dutch tax office) and includes information about your tax obligations. Find out about the types of taxes you’ll need to be familiar with.
Person filling in tax forms on a laptop.
© Belastingdienst

Income Tax

Everyone is taxed on their income in the Netherlands. The good news for those who are employed by an organisation is that your employer will automatically pay your income tax throughout the year. 

This so-called payroll tax is composed of contributions for social benefits and a general tax on your wage. Employers will withhold a specific amount from your gross salary, which is another reason why you should be aware of your gross (bruto) salary and your actual salary after-tax is deducted (netto) when negotiating a new job. However, even though income tax from your employer is filed on your behalf, everyone is required to file their own annual income tax return declaring taxable income from other sources, such as other jobs, investments or their partner’s earnings. Note that self-employed professionals are responsible for calculating their own income tax and paying it as part of their annual tax return. Many freelancers and business owners seek assistance from an accountant.

 

Filing your annual income tax

Taxable income is divided into three groups, called boxes, each with its own interest rate. The boxes are comprised of:

Income from salary 

This box is all about your income generated from work. Examples of this are past and present employment, income from business activities, income from other activities (as a freelancer, artist, or professional athlete), or income from things like a pension and social benefits. There is a progressive tax rate, which means you will be taxed according to your income level. 

Income from (substantial) interest

This covers your income from holding a 5% or more stake in a domestic or foreign company. A flat tax rate of 25% applies. 

Income from savings and investments

This includes assets such as money held in savings accounts, stocks, real estate, and things like gold, silver and bitcoins. The value of your assets is calculated once every year. Everyone is entitled to have tax-free capital; the limit is 50,000 for individuals and 100,000 for couples. 

The deadline for filling in your annual tax return is usually 1 May although you’ll often receive a reminder (the blue envelope) around February. You can submit your final tax return by phone through the BelastingTelefoon, or via the Belastingdienst using your DigiD. 

 

Blue envelope from the tax authorities.
© Belastingdienst

The 30% tax ruling

Internationals who were recruited from overseas should check if they meet the conditions for the 30% reimbursement ruling. This is a tax advantage for highly skilled internationals who have been recruited from abroad for a specific position. Employers can apply for this incentive on behalf of employees, which rules that 30% of their gross wage will be tax-free. To be eligible for this, employees need to be transferred or recruited from abroad, have a specific skill set that is scarce in the Dutch market and earn a minimum taxable salary after the 30% deduction. In 2021, this amount was 38,961 euros, or 29,616 euros for those under 30 and with a Master’s degree.

 

Other types of tax

As with many countries, VAT sales tax, known as omzet or BTW-belasting is charged in the Netherlands. Every business must add ‘BTW’ to their goods and services. The amount ranges from 9% to 21%, depending on the type of product or service. At the end of each quarter, businesses (and freelancers) must do their BTW-aangifte: a VAT tax declaration to the Belastingdienst.

 

Municipal taxes

In addition to these state taxes, residents in the Netherlands also pay taxes to the municipal government including a waste collection levy, sewage levy and water taxes. Home owners also pay an annual tax based on the value of their property and vehicle owners pay a road tax.

 

Discover more what it's like to live in the Netherlands