Asked about Dutch bookkeeping, chart of accounts, financial statements, RGS mapping, jaarrekening preparation, balance sheet or P&L format in the Netherlands.
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KVK annual accounts filing deadline
Within 12 months of year-endBurgerlijk Wetboek Boek 2, Titel 9 (BW2 Title 9)
KOR (Kleineondernemersregeling) turnover threshold
≤ EUR 20,000/yearWet op de omzetbelasting 1968 (VAT Act)
KOR — effect of qualifying
Full VAT exemption (exempts from VAT filing)Wet op de omzetbelasting 1968 (VAT Act)
Business meals/entertainment deductibility
80% deductible (20% non-deductible add-back)Wet inkomstenbelasting 2001 / Wet op de vennootschapsbelasting 1969
Gifts to clients deductibility threshold
80% deductible if > EUR 15/giftWet inkomstenbelasting 2001 / Wet op de vennootschapsbelasting 1969
Fines and penalties deductibility
0% — never deductibleWet inkomstenbelasting 2001 / Wet op de vennootschapsbelasting 1969
Company car private-use addition (bijtelling) — standard rate
22% of catalogue valueWet inkomstenbelasting 2001, Art. 3.20
Company car private-use addition (bijtelling) — zero-emission vehicles
16% of catalogue valueWet inkomstenbelasting 2001, Art. 3.20
Kilometre allowance for business use of private car (2025)
EUR 0.23/kmWet inkomstenbelasting 2001
Maximum tax depreciation rate (general)
20% per year on cost (minimum 5-year useful life)Wet inkomstenbelasting 2001 / Wet op de vennootschapsbelasting 1969
Maximum goodwill amortisation rate
10% per year (minimum 10-year amortization)Wet inkomstenbelasting 2001 / Wet op de vennootschapsbelasting 1969
Low-value asset expensing practice threshold
< EUR 450 (practice; no statutory threshold)Wet inkomstenbelasting 2001 / Wet op de vennootschapsbelasting 1969
Buildings (own use) — depreciation floor (bodemwaarde)
50% of WOZ-valueWet inkomstenbelasting 2001 / Wet op de vennootschapsbelasting 1969
Buildings (investment property) — depreciation floor (bodemwaarde)
100% of WOZ-valueWet inkomstenbelasting 2001 / Wet op de vennootschapsbelasting 1969
Buildings (own use) — common tax depreciation rate
2–3% straight-line (floor: 50% WOZ)Wet inkomstenbelasting 2001 / Wet op de vennootschapsbelasting 1969
Buildings (investment) — common tax depreciation rate
2–3% straight-line (floor: 100% WOZ)Wet inkomstenbelasting 2001 / Wet op de vennootschapsbelasting 1969
Machinery and equipment — common tax depreciation rate
10–20% straight-lineWet inkomstenbelasting 2001 / Wet op de vennootschapsbelasting 1969
Office furniture/fittings — common tax depreciation rate
20% straight-lineWet inkomstenbelasting 2001 / Wet op de vennootschapsbelasting 1969
Computer hardware — maximum tax depreciation rate
20% straight-line (max allowed)Wet inkomstenbelasting 2001 / Wet op de vennootschapsbelasting 1969
Software — common tax depreciation rate
20% straight-lineWet inkomstenbelasting 2001 / Wet op de vennootschapsbelasting 1969
Vehicles — common tax depreciation rate
20% straight-lineWet inkomstenbelasting 2001 / Wet op de vennootschapsbelasting 1969
Goodwill — common tax depreciation rate
10% straight-lineWet inkomstenbelasting 2001 / Wet op de vennootschapsbelasting 1969
KIA (Kleinschaligheidsinvesteringsaftrek) — lower investment threshold (2025)
EUR 2,801Wet inkomstenbelasting 2001, Art. 3.41
KIA (Kleinschaligheidsinvesteringsaftrek) — upper investment threshold (2025)
EUR 393,252Wet inkomstenbelasting 2001, Art. 3.41
KIA — maximum additional deduction percentage
Up to 28% of the investment amountWet inkomstenbelasting 2001, Art. 3.41
Micro entity — maximum balance sheet total (from 1 January 2024)
≤ EUR 450,000Burgerlijk Wetboek Boek 2, Art. 2:395a
Micro entity — maximum net turnover (from 1 January 2024)
≤ EUR 900,000Burgerlijk Wetboek Boek 2, Art. 2:395a
Micro entity — maximum employees (from 1 January 2024)
< 10Burgerlijk Wetboek Boek 2, Art. 2:395a
Small entity — maximum balance sheet total (from 1 January 2024)
≤ EUR 7,500,000Burgerlijk Wetboek Boek 2, Art. 2:396
Small entity — maximum net turnover (from 1 January 2024)
≤ EUR 15,000,000Burgerlijk Wetboek Boek 2, Art. 2:396
Small entity — maximum employees (from 1 January 2024)
< 50Burgerlijk Wetboek Boek 2, Art. 2:396
Medium entity — maximum balance sheet total (from 1 January 2024)
≤ EUR 25,000,000Burgerlijk Wetboek Boek 2, Art. 2:397
Medium entity — maximum net turnover (from 1 January 2024)
≤ EUR 50,000,000Burgerlijk Wetboek Boek 2, Art. 2:397
Medium entity — maximum employees (from 1 January 2024)
< 250Burgerlijk Wetboek Boek 2, Art. 2:397
Size category qualification rule — number of consecutive balance sheet dates
Must meet at least 2 of 3 criteria on two consecutive balance sheet datesBurgerlijk Wetboek Boek 2, Titel 9 (BW2 Title 9)
Micro entity — use of fiscal/tax accounting principles allowed
Allowed (Art. 2:396 lid 6)Burgerlijk Wetboek Boek 2, Art. 2:396 lid 6
Bewaarplicht (record retention obligation) — sole trader
7 yearsAlgemene wet inzake rijksbelastingen (AWR)
VAT return frequency — sole trader (standard)
Quarterly (or monthly for larger traders)Wet op de omzetbelasting 1968
Zelfstandigenaftrek (self-employed deduction) — 2025
EUR 3,750Wet inkomstenbelasting 2001, Art. 3.76
Startersaftrek (starter's deduction) — 2025
EUR 2,123Wet inkomstenbelasting 2001, Art. 3.76
MKB-winstvrijstelling (SME profit exemption) — 2025
13.31% of profitWet inkomstenbelasting 2001, Art. 3.79a
Quick Reference
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Country | Netherlands (Koninkrijk der Nederlanden) |
| Currency | EUR |
| Financial year | Flexible (most common: 1 January -- 31 December) |
| Accounting standards | Dutch GAAP (BW2 Title 9); RJ Guidelines (Raad voor de Jaarverslaggeving) |
| Standard chart of accounts | RGS (Referentie GrootboekSchema) -- voluntary reference standard |
| Governing body | Raad voor de Jaarverslaggeving (RJ); Belastingdienst (tax) |
| Key legislation | Burgerlijk Wetboek Boek 2, Titel 9 (BW2 Title 9) |
| Filing obligation | KVK (Kamer van Koophandel) -- within 12 months of year-end |
| Tax authority | Belastingdienst |
| Reporting format | SBR/XBRL for KVK and Belastingdienst filings |
The RGS (Referentie GrootboekSchema) is not mandatory but is the de facto Dutch standard used by most accounting software. Below is a practical mapping for small/micro entities.
Assets (Class 0-1)
| Code | Account | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 0100 | Immateriële vaste activa | Intangible fixed assets |
| 0110 | Goodwill | Goodwill |
| 0120 | Software | Software licences |
| 0200 | Materiële vaste activa | Tangible fixed assets |
| 0210 | Gebouwen | Buildings |
| 0220 | Machines en installaties | Machinery and installations |
| 0230 | Inventaris | Furniture and fittings |
| 0240 | Computers | Computer hardware |
| 0250 | Vervoermiddelen | Vehicles |
| 0900 | Cum. afschrijvingen | Accumulated depreciation |
| 1100 | Debiteuren | Trade receivables |
| 1200 | Overige vorderingen | Other receivables |
| 1300 | Voorraad | Inventory |
| 1500 | Vooruitbetaalde kosten | Prepaid expenses |
| 1800 | Kruisposten | Inter-account transfers |
| 1900 | Bank | Bank accounts |
| 1910 | Kas | Cash |
Liabilities (Class 2)
| Code | Account | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 2000 | Crediteuren | Trade payables |
| 2100 | Belastingen en premies | Taxes and social premiums payable |
| 2110 | Omzetbelasting (BTW) | VAT payable |
| 2120 | Loonheffingen | Payroll taxes payable |
| 2200 | Overige schulden | Other payables |
| 2300 | Leningen langlopend | Long-term loans |
| 2400 | Voorzieningen | Provisions |
Equity (Class 0/3)
| Code | Account | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 0500 | Eigen vermogen | Equity |
| 0510 | Aandelenkapitaal | Share capital (BV) |
| 0520 | Agioreserve | Share premium |
| 0530 | Overige reserves | Other reserves |
| 0590 | Resultaat lopend jaar | Current year result |
| 0595 | Privé (eenmanszaak) | Owner's drawings (sole trader) |
Revenue (Class 8)
| Code | Account | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 8000 | Netto-omzet | Net turnover |
| 8010 | Omzet diensten | Revenue from services |
| 8020 | Omzet handel | Revenue from goods |
| 8100 | Overige bedrijfsopbrengsten | Other operating income |
Cost of Goods Sold (Class 7)
| Code | Account | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 7000 | Inkoopwaarde omzet | Cost of goods sold |
| 7010 | Inkopen | Purchases |
| 7020 | Voorraadmutatie | Inventory change |
Operating Expenses (Class 4-6)
| Code | Account | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 4000 | Personeelskosten | Staff costs |
| 4010 | Lonen en salarissen | Wages and salaries |
| 4020 | Sociale lasten | Social security contributions |
| 4030 | Pensioenlasten | Pension costs |
| 4100 | Afschrijvingen | Depreciation |
| 4200 | Huisvestingskosten | Premises costs |
| 4210 | Huur | Rent |
| 4220 | Gas, water, elektra | Utilities |
| 4300 | Verkoopkosten | Selling expenses |
| 4310 | Reclame en marketing | Advertising and marketing |
| 4400 | Autokosten | Vehicle costs |
| 4500 | Kantoorkosten | Office costs |
| 4510 | Telefoon en internet | Telecoms |
| 4520 | Kantoorbenodigdheden | Office supplies |
| 4530 | Software abonnementen | Software subscriptions |
| 4600 | Algemene kosten | General costs |
| 4610 | Accountantskosten | Accountancy fees |
| 4620 | Advieskosten | Advisory/legal fees |
| 4630 | Bankkosten | Bank charges |
| 4640 | Verzekeringen | Insurance |
| 4650 | Contributies en abonnementen | Subscriptions |
Other Income/Expenses (Class 8/9)
| Code | Account | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 8200 | Financiële baten | Financial income (interest received) |
| 8300 | Financiële lasten | Financial expenses (interest paid) |
| 8400 | Buitengewone baten | Extraordinary income |
| 8500 | Buitengewone lasten | Extraordinary expenses |
Tax (Class 9)
| Code | Account | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 9000 | Vennootschapsbelasting | Corporate income tax |
| 9010 | Latente belastingen | Deferred taxes |
Cash vs Accrual Basis
| Entity Type | Basis | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| BV / NV (legal entity) | Accrual (verplicht) | BW2 Title 9 requires accrual basis |
| Eenmanszaak / VOF (sole trader / partnership) | Accrual or Cash | Tax law allows "kasstelsel" for certain small traders; most use accrual |
| ZZP (freelancer) | Accrual | Recommended; required if VAT-registered on standard scheme |
Deductible Operating Expenses
| Category | Nominal Code | Deductibility |
|---|---|---|
| Office rent | 4210 | 100% deductible |
| Utilities (business premises) | 4220 | 100% deductible |
| Accountancy fees | 4610 | 100% deductible |
| Software subscriptions | 4530 | 100% deductible |
| Professional insurance | 4640 | 100% deductible |
| Marketing/advertising | 4310 | 100% deductible |
| Travel (business) | 4400 | 100% deductible if wholly business |
| Training/education | 4600 | 100% deductible if business-related |
| Bank charges | 4630 | 100% deductible |
| Phone/internet (business %) | 4510 | Business portion only |
Limited/Non-Deductible Expenses (Fiscal)
| Category | Limitation |
|---|---|
| Business meals/entertainment | 80% deductible (20% non-deductible add-back) |
| Gifts to clients | 80% deductible if > EUR 15/gift |
| Fines and penalties | 0% -- never deductible |
| Personal expenses | 0% -- never deductible |
| Income tax / VPB | 0% -- never deductible |
| Private use of business assets | Add-back required (bijtelling for cars) |
Capitalization Rules
| Rule | Threshold | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tax depreciation maximum rate | 20% per year on cost | Minimum 5-year useful life |
| Goodwill maximum rate | 10% per year | Minimum 10-year amortization |
| Low-value asset expensing | No statutory threshold | Practice: items < EUR 450 often expensed directly |
| Real estate floor (bodemwaarde) | WOZ-value | Cannot depreciate below WOZ-value for tax |
| Buildings (beleggingspand) | Max 100% WOZ-value | Investment property: cannot depreciate below 100% WOZ |
| Buildings (own use) | Max 50% WOZ-value | Own-use property: floor is 50% of WOZ-value |
Depreciation Methods and Rates
| Asset Type | Method | Common Tax Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Buildings (own use) | Straight-line | 2-3% (floor: 50% WOZ) |
| Buildings (investment) | Straight-line | 2-3% (floor: 100% WOZ) |
| Machinery and equipment | Straight-line | 10-20% |
| Office furniture/fittings | Straight-line | 20% |
| Computer hardware | Straight-line | 20% (max allowed) |
| Software | Straight-line | 20% |
| Vehicles | Straight-line | 20% |
| Goodwill | Straight-line | 10% |
Dutch law prescribes the income statement classified by nature of expense (categoriale model) or by function (functionele model). Small entities typically use nature-of-expense.
Netto-omzet (Net turnover) xxx Wijziging voorraad (Change in inventory) xxx Overige bedrijfsopbrengsten (Other operating income) xxx ------- Totale bedrijfsopbrengsten xxx
Grondstof-/hulpmateriaalkosten (Raw materials) (xxx) Personeelskosten (Staff costs) (xxx) Afschrijvingen (Depreciation/amortisation) (xxx) Overige bedrijfskosten (Other operating expenses) (xxx) ------- Totale bedrijfslasten (xxx)
Bedrijfsresultaat (Operating profit) xxx
Financiële baten (Financial income) xxx Financiële lasten (Financial expenses) (xxx) ------- Resultaat voor belastingen (Profit before tax) xxx
Belastingen (Tax) (xxx) ------- Resultaat na belastingen (Net profit) xxx
Dutch law prescribes a vertical (staffelvorm) balance sheet format. Small entities file an abbreviated version.
ACTIVA (Assets)
Vaste activa (Fixed assets) Immateriële vaste activa xxx Materiële vaste activa xxx Financiële vaste activa xxx ------- Totaal vaste activa xxx
Vlottende activa (Current assets) Voorraden xxx Vorderingen xxx Liquide middelen xxx ------- Totaal vlottende activa xxx
TOTAAL ACTIVA xxx =======
PASSIVA (Equity and Liabilities)
Eigen vermogen (Equity) Aandelenkapitaal xxx Reserves xxx Onverdeeld resultaat xxx ------- Totaal eigen vermogen xxx
Voorzieningen (Provisions) xxx
Langlopende schulden (Long-term liabilities) xxx
Kortlopende schulden (Current liabilities) xxx ------- TOTAAL PASSIVA xxx =======
Dutch Bank Statement Formats
| Bank | Format | Key Fields |
|---|---|---|
| ING | CSV, MT940 | Date, Name/Description, Account, Counter-account, Amount, Balance |
| ABN AMRO | CSV, MT940 | Transaction date, Amount, Description, Counter-party IBAN |
| Rabobank | CSV, MT940, CAMT.053 | Date, Counter-party name, IBAN, Amount, Description |
| SNS/RegioBank | CSV | Date, Description, Debit, Credit, Balance |
| Bunq | CSV | Date, Amount, Account, Counterparty, Description |
| Knab | CSV | Date, Amount, Name, Description, IBAN |
Common Transaction Descriptions
| Pattern | Classification |
|---|---|
| SEPA Overboeking, Betaling aan | Outgoing payment (expense or transfer) |
| SEPA Incasso, Automatische incasso | Direct debit (recurring expense) |
| iDEAL betaling | Incoming payment from customer |
| Tikkie | Small payment (check direction) |
| BELASTINGDIENST, BTW, LH | Tax payment (exclude from P&L) |
| KVK, Kamer van Koophandel | Business registration fee |
| PENSIOENFONDS | Pension contribution |
| Pinbetaling, Geldautomaat | Card/ATM (check nature) |
Size Categories (from 1 January 2024)
| Category | Balance Sheet Total | Net Turnover | Employees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Micro | ≤ EUR 450,000 | ≤ EUR 900,000 | < 10 |
| Small (Klein) | ≤ EUR 7,500,000 | ≤ EUR 15,000,000 | < 50 |
| Medium (Middelgroot) | ≤ EUR 25,000,000 | ≤ EUR 50,000,000 | < 250 |
Simplifications by Category
| Simplification | Micro | Small |
|---|---|---|
| P&L required in filing | No | No |
| Management report (bestuursverslag) | Not required | Not required |
| Statutory audit | Not required | Not required |
| Consolidated accounts | Not required | Not required |
| Notes (toelichting) | Very limited | Limited |
| Use tax accounting principles | Allowed (Art. 2:396 lid 6) | Allowed |
| File abbreviated balance sheet only | Yes | Yes (with limited notes) |
| Cash flow statement | Not required | Not required |
This skill and its outputs are provided for informational and computational purposes only and do not constitute tax, legal, or financial advice. Open Accountants and its contributors accept no liability for any errors, omissions, or outcomes arising from the use of this skill. All outputs must be reviewed and signed off by a qualified professional before filing or acting upon.
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