VAT calculator
Calculate Dutch VAT (btw) in both directions: from excluding to including VAT and back. 21%, 9% or 0%.
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Dutch VAT for freelancers: what to know
VAT (btw in Dutch — belasting toegevoegde waarde, value-added tax) applies to almost everything you sell or invoice as a freelancer in the Netherlands. This calculator converts an amount from excluding to including VAT, or the other way round, in seconds — handy for quotes, invoices, or checking receipts.
When does 21% apply, and when 9%?
The standard rate of 21% covers most services and goods: consultancy, design, software, construction, and most other freelance services. The reduced rate of 9% is limited to a short list of everyday essentials: groceries and food, books, the hairdresser, and bicycle repairs. Not sure? Check the Belastingdienst (Dutch Tax Administration) rate table — most freelancers simply charge 21%.
Quarterly btw-aangifte (VAT return): the basics
Most freelancers file their btw-aangifte (VAT return) every quarter. The deadline is always the last day of the month after the quarter ends: the Q1 (Jan-Mar) return must be filed before 30 April. You report how much VAT you charged clients and how much you paid suppliers yourself (input VAT); you pay the Belastingdienst the difference. This calculator helps with the amount per invoice — for the actual return you add up every invoice from the quarter.
What is the KOR?
The KOR (kleineondernemersregeling, small business VAT exemption) is available to freelancers with annual turnover up to €20,000. Under the KOR you don't charge VAT to clients, don't file VAT returns, and must add a fixed exemption statement to your invoices. Joining is optional: you opt in yourself via Mijn Belastingdienst Zakelijk and can leave whenever you want. Note: after leaving you can only rejoin after an exclusion period (the rest of that quarter plus the following calendar year).
Frequently asked questions
How do I work out VAT from a VAT-inclusive amount?
Divide the VAT-inclusive amount by 1.21 (for 21%) or 1.09 (for 9%) to get the amount excluding VAT. The difference is the VAT. This calculator does it instantly in both directions.
Which Dutch VAT rate applies to me: 21%, 9% or 0%?
The standard rate is 21%. The reduced 9% rate covers things like food, books, medicine and hairdressers. 0% mainly applies to exports and services to clients abroad. If in doubt, check the Belastingdienst rate list for your product or service.
When can I use the KOR small-business scheme and charge no VAT?
Under the kleineondernemersregeling (KOR) you charge no VAT if your annual turnover stays below €20,000. You then file no VAT return, but you also can't reclaim VAT on your purchases. You register for it with the Belastingdienst.
Do I charge Dutch VAT to business clients in another EU country?
Usually not: for services to a business client (with a VAT number) in another EU country you reverse-charge the VAT. You put 0% on the invoice with the note 'VAT reverse-charged' and the client reports the VAT in their own country. Different rules apply to private EU customers.
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