How to Submit Your First Paper VAT Return in the Netherlands

Demystifying the VAT Declaration Process – Paper Edition

So, you’ve just set up shop in the Netherlands and received your VAT activation. Congratulations! But wait, what’s this paper VAT declaration that’s landed on your desk? Don’t panic, we’ve got you covered.

This guide will walk you through the ins and outs of the value-added tax (VAT) declaration. For a more detailed breakdown of the form’s questions, head over to belastingdienst.nl and check out the Explanation of the VAT declaration.

Filing Your Return: The Nitty-Gritty

Here’s the deal: you must complete and return this form, even if you’ve been twiddling your thumbs all period. The deadline? It’s right there on the front page. Miss it, and you might be looking at a penalty. Not fun.

Pro Tip: If you’ve got nothing to declare, just pop a ‘0’ in question 5e. Voila! You’ve filed a nil declaration.

• Stick to blue or black ink. We’re not looking for a rainbow here.
• Round those amounts to whole euros. Feel free to round in your favor – we won’t tell.
• Got negative amounts? Slap a minus sign (-) in the first box. Easy peasy.

VAT ID vs. Turnover Tax Number: What’s the Difference?

Flying solo as a sole proprietor? Use your VAT identification number (VAT ID) when dealing with other entrepreneurs and EU trade. But for VAT returns and intra-Community supplies declarations (ICP), it’s all about that turnover tax number. Confused? Check out belastingdienst.nl/btw-id for the full lowdown.

Show Me the Money: Paying and Receiving VAT

If question 5e is positive, you owe VAT. We’ll send you a bill – don’t jump the gun on payment. Wait for our instructions.

On the flip side, if question 5 is negative, you’re in for a refund. We’ll send you a decision and drop that sweet VAT refund into your designated account.

Heads Up! We won’t use your account for other taxes or allowances. Make sure you’ve given us your VAT-specific account number. No account number? No problem. Log into Entrepreneur Login on belastingdienst.nl and fill out the ‘Provide or change entrepreneurs’ account number’ form. Pronto!

Juggling VAT Refunds

Still waiting on that VAT refund from last time? Don’t sit on your hands. Fire off a letter to your tax office asking for a payment extension and to offset the refund with VAT from another period.

Want to use your VAT refund to cover payroll taxes? There’s a form for that. Look for ‘Request Payroll Tax Offset with VAT Refund’ on the belastingdienst.nl website.

Oops, I Did It Again: Correcting VAT Declarations

Made a boo-boo in your VAT declaration? If it’s €1,000 or less, just offset it in your next declaration. No harm, no foul.

But if you’ve over or under-declared by more than €1,000, you’ll need to file a ‘Supplementary VAT’ form. Find it on belastingdienst.nl when you log into Inloggen voor ondernemers. Or, if you’re feeling fancy, use your own tax return or accounting software, or get a tax whiz to do it for you.

Not Happy? Object!

Disagree with what you’ve declared and paid? You’ve got 6 weeks from the payment date to file an objection. Same goes for refund decisions and additional assessments – 6 weeks from the decision date.

How to Raise Your Voice

Want to object to a back-taxed assessment, decision, or fine for non-compliance with intra-community transaction obligations? Go digital! The objection form for turnover tax is waiting for you on belastingdienst.nl. Just log into “Inloggen voor ondernemers” and let the objecting begin.

Keep Us in the Loop

Has your business pulled a chameleon and changed its spots? Let the Chamber of Commerce (CoC) know. They’ll pass the memo to us.

Remember, entrepreneurs, knowledge is power. Stay informed, stay compliant, and keep that business engine running smoothly. The Dutch tax system might seem like a maze, but with the right map (that’s us!), you’ll navigate it like a pro. Now go forth and conquer those VAT returns!

If your business isn’t registered with the Chamber of Commerce, you need to tell the tax office about any changes yourself. Just write a letter with these details:

• Your VAT number
• For name and address changes:
• • The correct name and address info
  • What exactly changed (like your company address or legal structure)
  • When the change happened
• If you’re closing shop:
• • The date you’re shutting down

The small entrepreneurs scheme (question 5d)

New Rules

New Small Entrepreneurs Scheme (KOR) in Action

Hey there, entrepreneur! Heads up – we’ve got a new small entrepreneurs scheme (KOR) that kicked off on January 1st, 2020. If you’re filing for periods before this date, pop the amount you’re entitled to under the old KOR in question 5d. But for anything after January 1st, 2020, question 5d is off-limits. Want the full scoop on KOR? Check out belastingdienst.nl/kor.

Paperwork Alert

Need to send us some documents? Make a copy and keep the original safe. Don’t forget to slap your name, reference number, and VAT number on each attachment. You’ll find these details on the front page of your tax return form.

Sniffing Out Fraud

As a savvy business owner, you might accidentally get tangled up in VAT carousel fraud. This sneaky trick happens when a business charges you VAT but doesn’t pay it to the authorities. Usually, you can deduct the VAT you pay as input tax. But if you knew (or should have known) about the fraud, say goodbye to that deduction.

Think you’ve stumbled into VAT carousel fraud? Give the Tax Information Line a ring at 0800 – 0543. Want to see some examples? Head to belastingdienst.nl.

Your next VAT return

Payment and Filing 101

Show Me the Money

Listen up! We won’t send you a bill for your digital declaration. Make sure you pay on time by transferring the cash to:

• Account Number: NL86 INGB 0002 4455 88
• BIC Code: INGBNL2A
• Account Name: Tax Authorities, Apeldoorn

Don’t forget to include the payment reference when you’re sending the money.

Stay on Top of Your VAT Returns

We’ll let you know when your VAT returns are due. But it’s your job to file and pay on time.

• Annual Heads Up: Before the first period each year, we’ll send you a letter. Hang onto it – it’s got all the periods you need to file for, the deadlines, and the payment references. If anything changes, we’ll send you a new letter.
• Digital Declaration: After each period, we’ll whip up your digital declaration. You can check it out on belastingdienst.nl by logging into “Inloggen voor ondernemers.” You’ll also find your deadline and payment reference there.

Don’t Miss a Beat

Here’s how to stay on top of your deadlines:

• Mark Your Calendar: Jot down all your submission deadlines. You can find a list at belastingdienst.nl/btwoptijd.
• Get Notified: Use the House of Companies Tax-Alerts or our Compliance Calendar to get pinged on your tablet or smartphone when it’s VAT declaration time. You can also use the app to look up your payment reference number.

Need to Visit Us?

You’ll need to book an appointment to visit the tax office.

• VAT Questions? Check out belastingdienst.nl/btw for more info.
• Want to Chat? To have a face-to-face, book an appointment through the BelastingTelefoon: 0800 – 0543.

Remember, we’re here to help you navigate the Dutch tax system. It might seem tricky, but with the right know-how, you’ll be filing like a pro in no time. Now go out there and show those VAT returns who’s boss!