Comprehensive Guide to Filing Annual Accounts and Tax filing for Dutch BV.

When managing a Dutch BV, staying compliant with annual tax filing requirements in the Netherlands is critical.

This includes preparing and filing annual accounts, VAT and corporate income tax for Dutch BV.

If you are a foreign director or non-resident managing a Dutch BV from abroad, you may find it challenging to navigate the statutory filing requirements and meet deadlines on time.

Hopefully, this guide will help you gain a better understanding of statutory filing in the Netherlands and the relevant deadlines

Filing Annual Accounts

Preparing and filing annual accounts is one of the primary responsibilities of directors.

Once the annual accounts are prepared and signed by the directors, the next step is to prepare the notice of meeting, agenda, and convene an AGM (Annual General Meeting) in accordance with the rules outlined in the deed of incorporation.

It is typically the responsibility of the company secretary to review the deed of incorporation to ensure that shareholders or anyone entitled to attend the AGM are given the opportunity to do so.

Additionally, if the deed of incorporation permits, it may be possible to bypass convening a formal meeting and instead adopt resolutions in writing.

Our comprehensive accounting and tax filing package includes reviewing the deed of incorporation to ensure the meeting is convened in compliance with Dutch law.

Since this service is included in the package, there is no additional charge for company secretarial services.

Filing Annual Accounts deadline

The deadlines for preparing, adopting, and filing annual accounts depend on the financial year and any potential extensions applied under Dutch law.

Below is a clear breakdown of the required actions and their corresponding timeframes:

Preparation of Annual accounts:
After the financial year-end, directors must prepare the financial statements within 5 months. If necessary, this preparation period can be extended by up to an additional 5 months, giving a maximum preparation time of 10 months after the year-end.
Adoption of Annual accounts:
Once the financial statements are prepared, they must be adopted by the general meeting within 2 months of their preparation date. If the extension for preparation has been applied, the adoption must occur no later than 12 months after the financial year-end.
Filing of Annual accounts:
The financial statements must be filed with the Chamber of Commerce within 8 days of adoption. However, if the financial statements are not adopted within the standard timeframe, they must still be filed no later than 2 months after their preparation date.

If an extension was applied, filing must ultimately take place within 12 months after the year-end. Delays in filing can result in penalties or liability for directors.

Corporate Income Tax rate in 2024

The corporate income tax rate depends on taxable profits:

If your taxable profit is less than €200,000 in 2023 and 2024, then your tax rate is 19%

If your taxable profit is more than €200,000 in 2023 and 2024, the corporate income tax rate is 25.8%

Sources from Dutch tax authority

Corporate Income Tax filing in the Netherlands

Corporate tax filing in the Netherlands is another mandatory requirement for Dutch BV companies.

If your fiscal year matches the calendar year, the filing deadline is June 1 each year.

If, for any reason, you are unable to meet the deadline, you can request a filing extension by submitting a written request to the tax authority for approval.

VAT Filing Netherlands

Businesses are subject to a Netherlands VAT, this is also known as a “BTW” in Dutch.

The rules for applying for a VAT number as a non-resident have changed. You are no longer automatically granted a VAT number after incorporating a BV.

The standard VAT Netherlands rate for the majority of goods and services is 21%. You are required to file your VAT return within 30 days from the end of the quarter.

For example, for Q1 which runs from January to March, the deadline for filing a VAT return is April 30. You are required to file a return even if it’s for nothing.

Keep records of VAT paid to suppliers, as these amounts can often be reclaimed. Accurate VAT filing Netherlands practices are essential to ensure smooth financial operations for your Dutch BV.

Invoicing VAT to Clients and Customers

When you issue invoices you need to share your Netherlands VAT number on your invoice.

And when you receive VAT payments from clients and customers, you need to set aside the VAT amount because it needs to be paid back to the tax authorities.

Paying VAT to Suppliers

When you get a bill from a supplier, you need to receive an invoice that shows their VAT number.

As a company registered with a Dutch VAT, any VAT you pay upfront will be refunded by the Dutch tax authorities.

When you’re given a VAT number from a supplier, you should double-check that it’s valid.

Need help checking the VAT number of your customer or business partner?

Fill in the information below for a free check.

Reconciling VAT

At the end of every quarter, you need to make sure to file your VAT on time to ensure that you get back the money you spent on VAT or pay back the extra. This is how the VAT Works:

If the amount of VAT that you received from your client invoices is more than the amount that you paid for the supplier invoices, you need to pay the difference to the tax authority.

But if the amount you paid for the supplier invoices are more than what you received from your clients invoices, you will be subject to a refund from the tax authority.

Our accounting and tax filing package includes arranging for the tax refund to be transferred directly to the BV’s business bank account, ensuring you don’t miss out on the money you are entitled to receive

Key Deadlines for Netherlands Tax Filing

Here’s a quick summary of the most important deadlines for Dutch BV companies:

Annual Account Filing Deadline: within 12 months after the financial year in the Netherlands ends.

Corporate Tax Filing Netherlands: 5 months after the financial year-end, with possible extensions.

VAT Filing Netherlands: 30 days after the end of each quarter.

Obtain a tailored fee quote

Our team of experts, including a bookkeeper in Amsterdam and an English-speaking bookkeeper serving foreign directors, is ready to help you simplify your compliance process.

Whether it’s filing annual accounts, corporate tax filing in the Netherlands, or VAT filing Netherlands, we ensure everything is done accurately and on time.

Fill in the form below to receive a tailored fee quote for your bookkeeping and tax filing needs.

Let us take the stress out of compliance, so you can focus on growing your business!

Verify Dutch Companies: Suppliers and Customers

Do you work with suppliers or customers based in the Netherlands and want to ensure they are legitimate?

Whether you’re verifying if a company exists, confirming its registration details, or checking if someone has the legal authority to sign documents, conducting thorough research can help you avoid unnecessary risks.

You may want to search for information about a company in the Netherlands.

This service provides you with essential company details, including official registration, directors’ information, and legal standing, ensuring your business transactions are secure and compliant.