Filing tax returns in the Netherlands with an asylum residence permit

Most people in the Netherlands have to file a tax return every year. A tax return is the submission of your income and expenses to the Tax Administration so they can calculate how much tax you have to pay or get back. Read how it works and what information you need in this step-by-step guide.

Blue envelopes come through the letter box.

Source: Nancy Beijersbergen

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This is how you file your tax return in the Netherlands

Last updated: 25/09/2024, 11:26

The Tax Administration usually sends a letter when you have to file a tax return. But even if you do not receive a letter, it may be necessary to file a return. Read here how to file a tax return and what documents you need.

What is a Tax Return?

You pay wage tax and social security contributions on your wages, benefits or pension every month. The following year, you file a tax return for the past year. This allows the

Tax Administration

to calculate whether the amount you paid is correct. This is then settled and you either get a refund or have to pay extra. We call this process a 'tax return'.

Filing tax returns is important for several reasons. You make sure you do not pay too much or too little tax. If you have paid too much tax, you can get money back. If you do not file a tax return when you should, you could be fined by the Dutch tax authorities.

How do you know if you need to file a tax return?

The Tax Administration usually sends a letter when you have to file a tax return. You will receive this letter in January or February. But even if you do not receive a letter, it may be necessary to file a tax return. Check your situation carefully.

You can get help with filing your tax return. Your municipality or your contact person at

VluchtelingenWerk Nederland (VWN)

can support you with this.

Contact with VluchtelingenWerk Nederland

On this page you will find contact options with RefugeeWerk Nederland (VWN). Do you have a question that is not answered on RefugeeHelp? VWN staff will be happy to help you.

More information

Who must file a tax return?

Not everyone in the Netherlands has to file a tax return. It depends on several things:

Income: if you work in the Netherlands and earn money, you usually have to file a tax return. This also applies if you receive benefits.
Wealth: if you have a lot of savings or assets, you may also have to file a tax return. There is a limit to how much you can have without paying tax.
Benefits: if you receive benefits, such as rent or healthcare benefits, you often have to file a tax return. This helps the Tax Administration check that you get the right benefits.
Letter from the Tax Administration: sometimes you get a letter from the Tax Administration telling you to file a tax return. If you get this letter, you must file a tax return.

When do you have to file a tax return?

The Tax Administration has fixed periods for tax returns. The most important is the annual tax return. You must do this before 1 May. You should file the tax return for 2023 between 1 March and 1 May, 2024. If you cannot file a tax return before 1 May, you can request a postponement from the Tax Administration. This will usually give you until 1 September.

Sometimes, you also have to file a tax return in between, for example, if you moved to the Netherlands or left the country. This means you file a tax return for your period in the Netherlands that year.