Annual tax form in the Netherlands

Just like the majority of official issues, you can
complete your tax declaration (belastingaangifte)
online. The declaration can be processed only in
Dutch, so the following guide can be a lifesaver
for an expat.

› Apply for a DigiD.

› Look at your “Jaaropgave” (last-year overview
of your income obtained by your employer) and
highlight:
- Gross salary (Fiscaal loon)
- Tax & insurance contributions (Loonheffing)
- Tax credits (Arbeidskorting) if applicable

› Visit the Belastingdienst website, download
the official program (available for MAC, Windows
& Linux) and fill in the key numbers mentioned
above (Gross salary, tax and insurance
contributions as well as tax credits) in the “Werk
en woning” section (left sidebar).

Alternatively, first fill in your personal data and
income details and then press “Overzight” before
sending your form to the Dutch tax office. The
box next to “Te betalen” will specify whether you
qualify for a tax return or you are obliged to pay
a supplementary amount.

› Enter your digital signature and a notification
(form receipt) will be sent to you a few days
later.

Note that the above procedure is based on the
hypothesis that you do not own a property or
have other sources of income apart from your
main work.


Hints & Tips

› The Dutch tax rate system is one of the
highest in Europe.
› All professionals will (sooner or later) receive
the blue envelope.
› The whole procedure must be completed by
April 1st. Nevertheless, extensions are possible.
› Tax officers are not allowed by law to speak
English on the phone!
› You can always consult a tax expert (around
50-60 euros)
› Those who started working few months before
the end of the year can qualify for full tax return!