10 Common Dutch Tax Return Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)

The ten mistakes

1. 1
   Trusting the pre-filled data blindly

   Check salary, bank balances and WOZ value: they can be incomplete or wrong.

2. 2
   Forgetting foreign bank accounts and investments

   Residents are taxed on worldwide assets in Box 3.

3. 3
   Not using fiscal partnership

   Splitting Box 3 and deductions with your partner can lower the total.

4. 4
   Missing the 1 May deadline

   File or ask for a postponement in time to avoid a fine.

5. 5
   Not filing when you would get money back

   A refund is only paid if you file. You can file up to five years back.

6. 6
   Ignoring the M-form in your arrival or departure year

   It is a different form with its own rules.

7. 7
   Claiming abolished deductions

   Study costs, for example, are no longer deductible.

8. 8
   Forgetting side income

   Freelance work, online sales or renting out a room must be declared.

9. 9
   Not updating your provisional assessment

   A changed income means you will pay back later, possibly with interest.

10. 10
    Mixing up the ruling and Box 3

    Since 2025 the 30% ruling no longer gives partial non-resident status for Box 3 (except for existing rulings until 2026).

Made a mistake?

Before the assessment arrives, you can file a corrected return. After it, file an objection within six weeks, or ask for a correction (ambtshalve vermindering) up to five years back. See tax letter templates.