A2 KNM: Taxes & the Belastingdienst
Everyone who lives or works in the Netherlands must deal with the Belastingdienst (Tax Office). You pay income tax (inkomstenbelasting), and if you buy pr...
Reviewed against official sources - Updated 2026-05-10
Everyone who lives or works in the Netherlands must deal with the Belastingdienst (Tax Office). You pay income tax (inkomstenbelasting), and if you buy products, BTW (VAT) is included. Each year, you may need to file a tax return (aangifte). The deadline is usually May 1 for the previous year, but always check the date in your tax letter or Mijn Belastingdienst.
| Dutch | English | What to Know |
|---|---|---|
| Belastingdienst | Tax Office | Handles all tax matters |
| Inkomstenbelasting | Income tax | Based on your earnings |
| BTW | VAT (Value Added Tax) | 21% on most products |
| Aangifte | Tax return | Often due by May 1, unless your letter says another date |
| Loonheffing | Payroll tax | Deducted from your salary |
| Toeslagen | Allowances | Rent, healthcare, childcare, or child budget via Dienst Toeslagen |
Examples
- Heb je al aangifte gedaan?
- Have you filed your tax return yet?
- De deadline is meestal 1 mei.
- The deadline is usually May 1.
- Je kunt belasting terugkrijgen.
- You can get tax money back.
- Je hebt DigiD nodig voor de aangifte.
- You need DigiD for the tax return.
Study note
If you receive a tax-return letter, you must file by the date in the letter. If you do not receive a letter, check the Belastingdienst website or use their aangifte check to see if filing is useful. DigiD is required for online filing.
Practice after reading
Train A2 knowledge of Dutch society with timed KNM practice questions.
