Tax Talk

A series of short podcasts about tax in the Netherlands. In particular for internationals filing a first tax return may be complicated, with assets abroad, the 30% ruling, financial transactions between countries, Box 1, 2, 3, a spouse with a freelance income, .. you name it. Once we are a couple of months into the new year, tax season starts.
We are very happy that financial expert Steve ten Bokum of Expat-Service.nl in Eindhoven guides us.. T

Steve Ten Bokum of Expat-Service.nl in Eindhoven shares with us what the typical first reaction is of internationals and expats who file their tax report for the first time in the Netherlands. A new country, new rules, but also special situations for internationals. And there are a few things to check already before you sign an employement contract. For instance, whether participation in the 30% ruling is explicitly described.

Tax season is upon us, marked by the arrival of blue envelopes containing an invitation to file a tax return. When you log in to the website of the Dutch tax authority, belastingdienst.nl, you’ll find that many details have already been pre-filled, such as your income and bank account information. In the Netherlands, you’re required to pay taxes not only on your employment income, but also on any potential earnings from your assets. Unlike some countries, the Netherlands does not have a wealth tax per se. The actual interest and investment income you receive is not directly taxed. However, as part of the income tax system, a hypothetical or “fictitious” income is calculated based on the value of your portfolio, including bank accounts, shares, or even a second home. This imputed income is then taxed under the “box 3” system. Our expert guest, Steve Ten Bokum from Expat-service.nl, is here to explain this concept in more detail. Our podcast host, Jean-Paul Linnartz, is not afraid to dig deeper and find out how this system works in practice. Can you simply tick the boxes on your tax return, or do you need to account for assets beyond what the tax authority has already compiled for you?

The tax system in a new country can be quite complex and confusing. What about the Netherlands specifically? If the information available online is not entirely clear, there are a few options. You could hire an expert to assist you, or you could contact the tax authority’s helpline, known as “de belastingtelefoon”. However, some questions arise: Can you discuss your case anonymously? Will the advice you receive be in your best interest? And is the information provided on the phone legally binding? Our guest today is Steve Ten Bokum, a financial advisor at expat-service.nl. Jean-Paul Linnartz questions whether the role of “de belastingtelefoon” is to maximize tax revenue for the Dutch government.