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.
Two people do a tax return behind a laptop
Source: Gorodenkoff
Article

You need these documents to file a tax return

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

For your tax return in the Netherlands you need certain documents, such as annual statements, benefit statements and bank statements. This article tells you which documents are important and how to obtain them.

You will need these documents

You need various documents for your tax return. Below is a list of the most important documents you need to collect. You probably don't need all the documents, for example, if you do not own a house or have been in the Netherlands for more than 1 year:

  • Annual income statement: this is an important document from your employer or benefits agency. It shows how much you earned last year and how much tax you have already paid. You usually get this document in January or February.

  • Payslips: it may be useful to have your payslips at hand. These give an overview of your income each month.

  • Annual bank statement: this shows your savings and how much interest you have received.

  • Mortgage statement: if you have a house with a mortgage, you will get a statement from your bank. This shows how much interest you paid and what you repaid.

  • Benefits statement: if you have received benefits, such as rent or healthcare benefits, you will also receive a statement of these. You can view this statement on 'Mijn Toeslagen'.

  • Travel expenses: if you travel a lot for your work, for example, by public transport, you can sometimes deduct the cost of this in your tax return. Keep all your travel documents, such as public transport receipts and tickets.

  • M form: if you have been in the Netherlands for less than 1 year, you need to fill in an M form. Contact the municipality to ask if the return from the M form is considered income. If so, the municipality can deduct this amount from your benefits.

  • Other documents: consider healthcare expenses, donations to charities or childcare costs. Sometimes you can deduct these expenses from your taxes.

Collect these documents to file your tax return correctly and completely.

The documents are important to complete your tax return correctly

It is important to have the right documents. It ensures that you fill in all the details properly. You can also use these documents as proof for the Tax Administration if they have questions. And they help you avoid mistakes. Without the right documents, you are more likely to make mistakes in your tax return. If you do not fill in the Tax Return correctly, you can be fined.

Collect the documents you need

  • You will automatically receive many documents by post or e-mail. Make sure you save these.

  • Log in to 'Mijn Belastingdienst' with your

    DigiD
    . Here you can find a lot of digital information, such as your annual statement. Log in to 'Mijn Toeslagen' for an overview of your benefits.

  • If you are missing a document, you can contact your employer, bank or other authorities to request it.

'Mijn Belastingdienst'

You can log in to 'Mijn Belastingdienst' to retrieve data, file tax returns or arrange other tax matters.

'Mijn toeslagen'

You can apply for allowances on the Dutch tax authorities' 'Mijn toeslagen' website. You can also report changes in your situation and income on that website. You need DigiD to do this.

Tips for organising your documents

  • Keep all your documents in a physical folder or a digital folder on your computer.

  • Write down a list of important details, such as your

    personal number (BSN)
    and DigiD login details.

  • Start collecting your documents on time. This will avoid stress and rushing at the last minute.


What do you think of this article?