Changes to Assets taxation in Box 3
What is changing in Box 3?
Assets in the Netherlands are taxed under Box 3 of
the income tax system. This system focuses on your wealth rather than your
employment income.
Up to and including 2024, Box 3 tax was calculated
using a fictitious return. The Tax Office assumed a fixed return on your
assets, regardless of what you actually earned. This meant that tax was due
even if your savings or investments produced little or no income.
Transitional rules from 2025
From 2025, the Box 3 system will partially change.
The Tax Office will still calculate tax using an assumed
return. If your actual return is lower, you may choose to report this
instead. In that case:
- Your
real income from assets must be calculated
- Supporting
documentation must be available
- The
final tax assessment will be adjusted based on actual results
This can lead to a lower tax liability, but it requires
additional administration.
Taxation based on actual returns from 2028
From 2028 onward, Box 3 will fully move to taxation
based on actual returns. The fictitious return method will no longer
apply.
Tax will be levied on the real income and value development
of your assets, including:
- Interest
on savings
- Dividends
from investments
- Rental
income
- Capital
gains, including increases in value of assets that have not yet been sold
Certain exceptions apply. For example, some real estate
assets may only be taxed at the moment of sale.
Correction of previous Box 3 tax years
If your Box 3 tax assessment for earlier years is not yet
final, it may still be possible to request a correction.
If your actual return was lower than the assumed return used
by the Tax Office, this can result in a reduction of tax or a refund.
Key points to take away
- Up to
2024, Box 3 tax was based on a fictitious return
- From
2025, it is possible to report your actual return if it is lower
- From
2028, Box 3 tax will be based entirely on real returns
- Corrections
may still be possible for non-final past tax years