Filing a tax return

In the Netherlands, you sometimes have to file a tax return. This means that you have to report how much you have earned to Belastingdienst. 

Filing a tax return in the Netherlands 

If you live and work in Netherlands, you can also file a tax return in the Netherlands. You do this yourself. A financial advisor or accountant can also file your tax return for you. In that case, you must give this person permission to file your tax return. 

Many people receive a letter from Belastingdienst in February. This letter tells you that you must file your tax return before 1 May. You can still file a tax return even if you do not receive a letter. You might get money back, but in some cases you might have to pay money. 

How to file a tax return 

You file your own tax return. You can file a tax return in three ways: 

1. Online, on the Belastingdienst website. 
2. Using the Belastingdienst app. 
3. On paper (by post). 

Important! If you are self-employed, you must file your tax return online. If you live abroad and you have a business in the Netherlands, you can file a paper tax return. To request a form for a paper tax return, call Belastingdienst’s Tax Information Line.  

Help with filing a tax return 

To get help with filing your tax return, call Belastingdienst’s Tax Information Line on 0800-0543 (in Dutch or English). You can also get free help at many libraries and from some unions. 

Important! 

You need a DigiD to file a tax return online. Never give your DigiD to anyone you do not know. Your DigiD is private. 

After you have filed your tax return 

After you have filed your tax return, you will receive a notice from Belastingdienst. When you receive this notice depends on the date you filed your tax return. 

Tax return filed before 1 April 

If you filed your tax return before 1 April, you will receive a notice by 1 July at the latest. Your partner might receive a notice before you even if you filed your tax returns at the same time. This says nothing about the notice you will receive. 

Tax return filed after 1 April 

If you filed your tax return after 1 April, Belastingdienst will try to send you a notice within three months. In some cases this is not possible, for example if you live in the Netherlands and work in Belgium or if a previous tax return is still being dealt with. 

How the notice is sent to you 

The notice is sent to you in several ways: 

• in Mijn Belastingdienst 
• in your MijnOverheid message box (you receive an e-mail whenever there is a new message for you) 
• by post (you will receive a letter in a blue envelope a few days later) 

Make sure you have activated your account on MijnOverheid. 

Final assessment 

Belastingdienst must always send you your final assessment within three years of the end of the tax year. This means that a final assessment for the 2024 tax year must be sent by 31 December 2027. If you have been granted permission to postpone filing your tax return, the three-year period is increased by the postponement period.