It is March! Time to file your tax returns!!!

From 1^st of March 2017 you are able to submit your Dutch tax return (inkomstbelasting) for 2016.

I like to get mine done and out of the way as soon as possible, so I gather all the papers and numbers I will need in February, but I know very few people are like me, and it has taken a couple of years (and help) for me to understand the Dutch tax system, and how to fill in the forms (which are all in Dutch).

So what are the key things you need to know if you find it all a bit ‘blah’

Your personal situation (type of work, partner’s work status, residency status and other assets and earnings – particularly from abroad) will affect your tax status. You may be filing a tax return in your home country and so will have to deal with double taxation agreements.

As I mentioned, you can file your Dutch tax return online from 1^st of March. You can do this by logging into the Belastingdienst website using your DigiD or by using their app for android and iOS devices.

A lot of the information will automatically be filled in for you, such as income from work, mortgage details etc, but it is still important to check that these are correct.

The sooner the better! If you submit your tax return for 2016 before April 1^st, then the Belastingdienst aims to process your return within 3 months. That means, that if you are due money back, you get a nice pay out just in time for the summer!

If filling in your tax returns is not something you want to do yourself, there are lots of companies you can hire to take care of it for you. The IWCN has 4 service partners that offer services in English, more information can be found on their website.

More information about the Dutch tax system can be found in one of our earlier blog posts.

You can also find information on the Belastingdienst website in English.