In the Netherlands, you pay tax on water. The government spends this money on clean drinking water, the sewer system and the treatment of wastewater.
Water tax is the amount you pay for the use and purification of water. This tax is officially called the water board tax and sewerage charge. The money goes to the municipality and the water board so that everyone in the Netherlands can use safe, clean water.
The municipality and the water board send you a tax assessment notice that tells you how much you have to pay and when. You can often choose when you pay: in one go, or in instalments by direct debit. If you choose this, the amount is automatically taken from your account every month.
The municipality usually calculates the same sewerage charge for each household or each home. The water board calculates tax on the basis of the WOZ value of your home or on the number of people who live in it. This ensures every household pays its fair share for water and the sewer system.
The sewerage charge is for the municipality. Water board tax is for the water board. They use the money for different tasks: the municipality uses it to treat sewage and wastewater, and the waterboard uses it for water purification and flood protection.
Yes. This is possible in some cases. If you are on a low income, you can request a waiver from the municipality or the water board. This means you have to pay less or sometimes no tax at all.
Yes. If you rent your home, you usually pay water tax as well. The municipality or water board might send the bill directly to you. In some cases, you pay this bill through the rent you pay. This varies, depending on your municipality and your contract, so always check your tenancy agreement.
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