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Taxation in the Netherlands
Taxation in the Netherlands is defined by the income tax (Wet op de inkomstenbelasting 2001), the wage withholding tax (Wet op de loonbelasting 1964), the value added tax (Wet op de omzetbelasting 1968) and the corporate tax (Wet op de vennootschapsbelasting 1969).
In the Netherlands, residents pay income tax on their worldwide income. Non-residents are taxed on income sourced in the Netherlands only. Income tax is collected by Tax and Customs Administration. For purposes of determining income tax, income is divided into the following three categories, so called boxes:
A progressive tax rate on income from work and housing with two tax brackets applies to income in Box 1. In the past, there were four brackets, the highest of which was 72%, but in 1990 it was changed to 60%, and in 2001 it became 52%. The four bracket system was changed to a two bracket system in 2020, with lower incomes taxed at 36.97% (as of 2024) and higher incomes at 49.50%. Certain expenditures, referred to as personal allowances, can be deducted from income prior to tax calculation. Examples of personal allowances are donations to eligible charities, maintenance costs, medical or study expenses. Income-dependent credits reduce the tax owed. Taxpayers above the official retirement age are entitled to a reduced tax rate.
A two-bracket tax of 24.5% and 33% applies to income from substantial interest in a company. A substantial interest in a company is defined as owning at least 5% of its shares, options or profit-sharing certificates; either by the taxpayer themselves or together with their tax partner.
Box 3 concerns income from wealth. Wealth is calculated as value of assets (such as savings or shares) minus any debts. Income from wealth is taxed at a 36% rate. For tax purposes, a fixed return on savings and investments is presumed, based on the actual distribution of Box 3 assets (with different rates applied to bank assets and physical assets). Presumed gains are calculated each year based on market returns realized in the past. A tax allowance on capital yields is provided. Certain assets are so called tax-free capital and are exempt from income tax, such as green investments.
For income taxes, the tax year is equivalent to calendar year. Tax returns are due by 1 May of the subsequent year. Married couples submit a joint assessment, except in the case when a divorce petition has been filed.
The value added tax system follows European Union regulation. For value added tax there are three categories: foods and essentials, non-foods and luxuries, and special goods. These three categories have rates of 9%, 21%, and 0%, respectively. The non-foods and luxuries percentage was increased from 19% to 21% on 1 October 2012, while the foods and essentials percentage was increased from 6% to 9% percent on 1 January 2019. The special goods cover:
Unlike some states in member countries that make up the EU, the Dutch tax regime allows the deferral of import VAT payment. Instead of conducting payment at the time when goods are imported to the EU, the VAT payment may be deferred to periodic VAT returns. The import VAT needs to be reported; however, as the amount may be deducted from the corresponding period VAT return, the deferral can prevent cash flow disadvantage arising from paying import VAT immediately at the time of import to the EU.
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Taxation in the Netherlands
Taxation in the Netherlands is defined by the income tax (Wet op de inkomstenbelasting 2001), the wage withholding tax (Wet op de loonbelasting 1964), the value added tax (Wet op de omzetbelasting 1968) and the corporate tax (Wet op de vennootschapsbelasting 1969).
In the Netherlands, residents pay income tax on their worldwide income. Non-residents are taxed on income sourced in the Netherlands only. Income tax is collected by Tax and Customs Administration. For purposes of determining income tax, income is divided into the following three categories, so called boxes:
A progressive tax rate on income from work and housing with two tax brackets applies to income in Box 1. In the past, there were four brackets, the highest of which was 72%, but in 1990 it was changed to 60%, and in 2001 it became 52%. The four bracket system was changed to a two bracket system in 2020, with lower incomes taxed at 36.97% (as of 2024) and higher incomes at 49.50%. Certain expenditures, referred to as personal allowances, can be deducted from income prior to tax calculation. Examples of personal allowances are donations to eligible charities, maintenance costs, medical or study expenses. Income-dependent credits reduce the tax owed. Taxpayers above the official retirement age are entitled to a reduced tax rate.
A two-bracket tax of 24.5% and 33% applies to income from substantial interest in a company. A substantial interest in a company is defined as owning at least 5% of its shares, options or profit-sharing certificates; either by the taxpayer themselves or together with their tax partner.
Box 3 concerns income from wealth. Wealth is calculated as value of assets (such as savings or shares) minus any debts. Income from wealth is taxed at a 36% rate. For tax purposes, a fixed return on savings and investments is presumed, based on the actual distribution of Box 3 assets (with different rates applied to bank assets and physical assets). Presumed gains are calculated each year based on market returns realized in the past. A tax allowance on capital yields is provided. Certain assets are so called tax-free capital and are exempt from income tax, such as green investments.
For income taxes, the tax year is equivalent to calendar year. Tax returns are due by 1 May of the subsequent year. Married couples submit a joint assessment, except in the case when a divorce petition has been filed.
The value added tax system follows European Union regulation. For value added tax there are three categories: foods and essentials, non-foods and luxuries, and special goods. These three categories have rates of 9%, 21%, and 0%, respectively. The non-foods and luxuries percentage was increased from 19% to 21% on 1 October 2012, while the foods and essentials percentage was increased from 6% to 9% percent on 1 January 2019. The special goods cover:
Unlike some states in member countries that make up the EU, the Dutch tax regime allows the deferral of import VAT payment. Instead of conducting payment at the time when goods are imported to the EU, the VAT payment may be deferred to periodic VAT returns. The import VAT needs to be reported; however, as the amount may be deducted from the corresponding period VAT return, the deferral can prevent cash flow disadvantage arising from paying import VAT immediately at the time of import to the EU.