Zelfstandigenaftrek: Who Qualifies and What You Get
Freelancers in the Netherlands can reduce their taxable income if they meet specific hourly requirements for their business.
The Zelfstandigenaftrek is a tax deduction designed to support self-employed individuals by lowering the total amount of income they are taxed on.
Who it's for
This scheme is for freelancers who operate their own businesses. To qualify, you must spend at least 1,225 hours per year working on your business activities.
What you get
You receive a significant reduction in your taxable income. By lowering the amount of income that is subject to tax, you end up paying less in total income tax.
What it costs you
While there is no direct fee to use this scheme, it requires a significant investment of time for administration. You must maintain meticulous time tracking logs to serve as proof of your business hours if requested by the tax office.
The catch to know
The value of this deduction is not permanent; it is currently being phased out gradually over several years.
How to apply
- Keep a detailed log of all hours spent on your business throughout the year.
- Calculate your total business hours to ensure you meet the required threshold.
- Report your business income and hours when filing your annual tax return.
- Visit the official portal for more details: https://www.belastingdienst.nl