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Knowledge and tips for freelancers in the Netherlands — tax, invoices and admin, in plain language.

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The 30% ruling and freelancers: the honest answer for ZZP'ers

Can you use the 30% ruling as a freelancer in the Netherlands? The honest answer, in plain English: why a ZZP'er with an eenmanszaak does not qualify, the only route that can (your own BV), and what freelancers can use instead.

False self-employment (Wet DBA) in 2026: what it means for you as a freelancer

Since 2026 the Dutch tax office enforces the rules on false self-employment again. In plain English: what the Wet DBA is, what changed in 2026, when you are at risk, and how to prove you are genuinely independent.

Filing your income tax return as a freelancer in the Netherlands: step by step

Your first income tax return as a freelancer? In plain English: the steps you go through, what you enter under profit from business, which deductions to include, and when the deadline is.

Freelancer tax deductions in the Netherlands 2026: which ones and how much they save

A complete, plain-English overview of the tax deductions for freelancers (ZZP) in the Netherlands in 2026 — from the self-employed deduction and starter's deduction to the SME profit exemption and your business costs. Pay no more tax than you must.

The hours criterion and time tracking for freelancers: 1,225 hours explained

The hours criterion decides whether you qualify for the self-employed deduction. In plain English: what the 1,225-hour rule means, which hours count, and how to track your hours as proof.

How to write a quote (offerte) as a freelancer in the Netherlands

A good quote wins the job. In plain English: the difference between a quote and an invoice, exactly what belongs on a quote, and tips to make it professional and convincing.

Bookkeeping software for freelancers: what to look for (and start free)

Which bookkeeping software suits you as a freelancer in the Netherlands? Learn what to look for: invoices, receipt scanning, quarterly VAT, your bank and working with your accountant. Start free.

Connecting your bank statement to your admin: how it works

Why you connect your bank statement to your admin, and what you gain: automatically see who has paid, match payments to invoices, and keep your VAT correct — with less work.

Freelancer tax deadlines 2026: the Dutch VAT calendar and key dates

All the key deadlines for freelancers in the Netherlands in 2026: the quarterly VAT return and the income tax return. Put them in your calendar and avoid fines.

Make a free invoice as a freelancer in the Netherlands (no software, no hassle)

Want to make a free invoice that meets the Dutch rules right now? Fill in your details, download the PDF and send it. No account needed, no cost. Here's how it works.

Freelancer (ZZP) tax in the Netherlands 2026: the complete guide

The complete, plain-English guide to freelancer tax in the Netherlands for 2026. Which taxes you pay, which deductions help you, and how much you keep. With free calculators.

Freelancing in the Netherlands as an expat: the simple starter guide

Are you an expat who wants to freelance in the Netherlands? A plain-English overview: registering as a ZZP'er, VAT, invoices, tax and admin — and how to keep it all in one place.

Bookkeeping in a spreadsheet? When you're better off switching

Many freelancers keep their admin in a spreadsheet. It works at first, but has limits. Learn when a spreadsheet is enough, when you're better off switching, and how to do it easily.

Scanning invoices with AI: how it works and what it saves you

Scanning an invoice or receipt with AI: how does it work? The AI reads the supplier, amount and VAT from a photo or PDF. So you skip retyping and never miss VAT again.

How to make a credit note: when and how (with example)

What is a credit note and when do you send one? A simple explanation: a credit note corrects an earlier invoice. Learn how it works, what it must include, and how to make one in one click.

Sending and following up invoices: how to get paid faster

How do you send an invoice and track whether it's paid? A simple guide: send by email, see which invoices are still open, and follow up neatly — so you get your money faster.

Getting invoices out of your inbox: connect Gmail or Outlook

Many invoices arrive by email and get stuck there. Here's how to connect Gmail or Outlook to your admin, so invoices from your inbox come in automatically — no more lost attachments.

Invoicing software for freelancers: what to look for (and start free)

Looking for invoicing software as a freelancer in the Netherlands? Learn what to look for: correct invoices, automatic numbering, sending and seeing what's paid. Start free, no credit card.

Keeping cash records: the Dutch kasboek for freelancers, simply explained

Do you ever work with cash? Then you must keep a cash book (kasboek). A simple explanation: what a cash book is, what goes in it, and how to record cash income and expenses neatly.

Organise your documents automatically: never search again

Invoices, receipts and contracts all mixed up? Here's how to keep all your business documents in one place and have them organised automatically — so you find anything in seconds.

Scanning receipts: the simplest way for freelancers (try it free)

Looking for an easy way to scan receipts? Take a photo and let the AI read the supplier, amount and VAT. Free to try, no account needed.

Sending an invoice in English from the Netherlands: is it allowed?

Can you send an invoice in English as a freelancer in the Netherlands? Yes. Learn what to watch for: the required fields stay the same, and so do the VAT rules. With tips for foreign clients.

E-invoicing and UBL: what is it and when do you need it?

What is an e-invoice (UBL) and why does your accountant or the government ask for it? A simple explanation of UBL, when you need it, and how to export an invoice as UBL.

Client not paying? How to handle an unpaid invoice

What do you do when a client doesn't pay your invoice? A simple step plan: from a friendly reminder to a formal notice, statutory interest and debt collection — so you still get your money.

What does your accountant need from you? The complete checklist

What must you hand over to your accountant for your tax return or annual accounts? A simple checklist — and how to share it all neatly in one go instead of emailing folders full of PDFs.

Working with your accountant: how BoekBrug's bridge works

No more emailing folders full of PDFs. Share your invoices and documents straight with your accountant, ask questions in the app, and hand over everything neatly — with BoekBrug's bridge.

Your data is yours: privacy and GDPR for your admin

Is your admin safe with an online tool? Here's how privacy and the GDPR work: with BoekBrug you can always export or delete all your data. You stay in control.

Invoicing as a freelancer in the Netherlands: the complete guide (2026)

Everything about making invoices as a freelancer in the Netherlands, in plain English: what's required, how to show VAT, when to send a credit note, and how to make a correct invoice in one go.

VAT (btw) for freelancers in the Netherlands: the complete guide (2026)

Everything about VAT as a freelancer in the Netherlands, in plain English: what VAT is, the 21% and 9% rates, reclaiming input VAT, the KOR small-business scheme, and how to file your return.

Bookkeeping as a freelancer in the Netherlands (without the hassle) — 2026

How do you keep your books as a freelancer in the Netherlands? A simple guide: what to keep, how to connect your bank, and how to have everything ready for your accountant — with minimal work.

Starting as a freelancer (ZZP) in the Netherlands: the starter's guide (2026)

Want to become a freelancer in the Netherlands? A simple starter's guide: registering with the KvK, your VAT number, setting your rate, your first invoice and your tax. Everything you need to begin.

How much should you set aside for tax as a freelancer?

How much money should you put aside for tax as a freelancer in the Netherlands? A simple rule of thumb, what to watch for (VAT, income tax, Zvw), and how to never be caught out.

The Dutch small business scheme (KOR) explained: is it right for you?

What is the KOR and when is it smart? A simple explanation of the Dutch small business scheme: no VAT up to € 20,000 revenue, the pros and cons, and how to register.

Mileage allowance in the Netherlands 2026: € 0.25 per km and how to deduct it

The tax-free mileage allowance in the Netherlands is € 0.25 per kilometre in 2026. Learn in plain English how it works for freelancers, what you can deduct, and how to log your business trips.

What is a good freelance hourly rate in the Netherlands? How to work it out

How do you set a fair hourly rate as a freelancer (ZZP) in the Netherlands? A simple method: start from what you want to earn, add your costs and unpaid hours, and reach a rate that works.

Keeping receipts and invoices: how long, and how to make it easy

How long must you keep receipts and invoices as a freelancer in the Netherlands? The 7-year retention rule explained simply, plus an easy way to store everything digitally and organised.

Do your bookkeeping yourself or hire an accountant? How to choose (2026)

Should you do your own bookkeeping or give it to an accountant? An honest, simple comparison of cost, time and risk for freelancers in the Netherlands — and how to combine the best of both.

How to file your Dutch VAT return: a simple step-by-step (2026)

How does VAT (btw) work for freelancers in the Netherlands? A plain step-by-step: VAT on your sales, deducting input VAT, and what you pay or get back. With a free calculator.

What must a Dutch invoice include? The rules, simply explained (2026)

A simple checklist of everything a Dutch invoice must show, straight from the tax office (Belastingdienst) — plus what to do when you don't charge VAT (the KOR scheme).

The self-employed deduction (zelfstandigenaftrek) in 2026: simply explained

In 2026 the Dutch self-employed deduction is € 1,200. Learn in plain English how much you can deduct, the 1,225-hour rule, the extra starter's deduction, and what it means for your take-home pay.

Net income as a freelancer (ZZP) in 2026: how much do you keep?

Work out your net income as a Dutch freelancer (ZZP) in 2026. Includes the lower self-employed deduction of € 1,200, the SME profit exemption and the Zvw contribution, with a full worked example.

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