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).
Income tax
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:
Box 1: income from work and home ownership
A progressive tax rate 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 bracked-system in 2020, with the lower incomes taxed for 37.35% and the higher incomes for 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. Taxpayers above the official retirement age are entitled to a reduced tax rate.
Box 2: financial interest in a company
A flat tax rate of 25% 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: savings and investment
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 30% rate. For tax purposes, a fixed return on savings and investments is presumed, based on the average distribution of Box 3 assets (capital mix). Presumed gains are calculated each year based on market returns realized in the past. A tax allowance on capital yields is provided.
For income taxes, tax year is equivalent to calendar year. Tax return shall be submitted before May 1 of the subsequent year. Married couples shall submit a joint assessment, except for the case when a divorce petition has been filed.
Value added tax
The value added tax system follows EU 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: Goods that are exported Goods that haven't been introduced yet Catch of Fish Excised goods International transport of people
Import VAT
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.
Corporate tax
Generally, private and public companies with Dutch residency are subject to corporate income tax on their worldwide income. Corporate tax rate is based upon taxable amount, which equals taxable profit in the corresponding year minus deductible losses. In 2018, for taxable amount below €200,000, a 20% tax rate was applicable. Taxable amount of €200,000 and above was taxed at a 25% tax rate. The corporate tax rates are both due to decrease by 1 percentage point in 2019, 1.5 percentage point in 2020 and further 1.5 percentage point in 2021; resulting in a 16% tax rate in the first bracket and 21% tax rate in the second bracket. Corporate tax year is equivalent to calendar year unless stated otherwise in the company's articles of association. Tax year typically follows a 12-month period; deviations are possible in the first year of incorporation.