5 Alternatives to Intercompany Solutions for Dutch Bookkeeping in 2026
In this article
- Why you might need a bookkeeping specialist next to the provider
- The difference between formation agents and bookkeeping firms in the Netherlands
- Alternative 1: Moneybird for small businesses and freelancers
- Alternative 2: e-Boekhouden for medium-sized businesses and international clients
- Alternative 3: Accon avm for full-service accounting and tax advice
- Alternative 4: Exact Online for growing companies and inventory-based businesses
- Alternative 5: Intotax for bookkeeping and audit support
- Comparison table of bookkeeping alternatives for Dutch businesses in 2026
- How to choose between the provider accounting and a dedicated alternative
- Practical tips for separating formation and bookkeeping services
Why you might need a bookkeeping specialist next to the provider
the provider is a leading Dutch corporate service provider and company formation agent. It helps thousands of entrepreneurs from more than 50 countries set up a Dutch BV, handle notarial deeds, KvK registration and tax registrations. Its remote formation service is its trademark: you can complete everything from abroad with a power of attorney, and a standard BV formation takes 3 to 5 business days once documents are ready. the provider also offers VAT and EORI registration, assistance with opening a Dutch business bank account, accounting and VAT returns, payroll, holding structures, branch office registration and business immigration support.
So the provider can handle your ongoing bookkeeping and tax filing, but some clients prefer a dedicated bookkeeping partner with specialised accounting software, real-time dashboards or industry-specific knowledge. Others want a firm that focuses solely on financial administration rather than corporate legal services. This article looks at five alternatives that fill that specific niche.
The difference between formation agents and bookkeeping firms in the Netherlands
the provider works as a corporate service provider that covers both formation and ongoing administration. Many of its clients use it as a single point of contact for legal, tax and accounting matters. Other providers, such as Firm24 or Ligo, focus primarily on company formation and may outsource bookkeeping to third-party accountants.
If you want a bookkeeper who specialises only in Dutch financial administration, you can choose a local accounting firm, a cloud-based software platform or a hybrid that combines software with human advice. The Netherlands has a clear split between the formation process and the monthly or quarterly bookkeeping process. the provider bridges that gap, but some entrepreneurs prefer to separate the two functions.
For example, a startup may use the provider for its BV formation and then switch to a bookkeeping tool like Moneybird for daily invoicing and VAT returns. A multinational opening a Dutch subsidiary may use the provider for corporate registration and then hire a mid-sized accounting firm like Accon avm for ongoing financial reporting.
Alternative 1: Moneybird for small businesses and freelancers
Moneybird is a Dutch cloud accounting platform aimed at sole traders, freelancers and small BV owners. It offers automated invoicing, expense tracking, bank connections and automatic VAT return generation. Moneybird connects directly to the Dutch tax authorities for BTW filings and to your business bank account for transaction imports.
It is not a full-service accountant: you still need to review and submit the returns yourself, though you can add a certified accountant as a collaborator for audit or advice. Moneybird costs around 15 to 35 euros per month depending on the plan. It is a strong alternative if you want to handle bookkeeping yourself while keeping the provider for formation, holding structures or immigration matters.
One limitation: Moneybird does not manage payroll or complex corporate tax filings for DGA salary or corporate income tax. For those, you need an accountant or an add-on service.
Alternative 2: e-Boekhouden for medium-sized businesses and international clients
e-Boekhouden is another Dutch cloud bookkeeping platform that supports multiple users, multiple companies and international accounting standards. It offers invoicing, purchase ledger, bank synchronisation and direct BTW filing. e-Boekhouden also provides a multi-currency feature, which is useful if you invoice clients outside the eurozone.
The platform integrates with the Dutch KvK and tax authorities. Pricing starts around 12 to 35 euros per month per company. Many Dutch accountants use e-Boekhouden as their backend system, so you can choose to work with a freelance accountant who uses the same software.
If you already use the provider for your BV formation and corporate compliance, adding e-Boekhouden plus a freelance accountant gives you a cost-effective bookkeeping setup without switching providers for legal and registration work.
Alternative 3: Accon avm for full-service accounting and tax advice
Accon avm is one of the larger Dutch accounting firms with offices across the country. It serves startups, SMEs and multinational subsidiaries. Accon avm provides full bookkeeping, payroll, VAT returns, corporate income tax, personal tax for directors and financial advice.
It is a good alternative if you want a human accountant who understands Dutch tax law and can advise on topics like the 30% ruling for expats or DGA tax optimisation. Accon avm also offers integration with accounting software like Exact Online and AFAS. It is more expensive than software-only solutions, with monthly fees varying from 150 to 500 euros depending on the complexity of your business. the provider can still handle your formation and corporate legal work, while Accon avm takes care of the day-to-day bookkeeping and tax filing.
This split works well for medium-sized companies with multiple transactions and a need for strategic tax planning.
Alternative 4: Exact Online for growing companies and inventory-based businesses
Exact Online is a popular Dutch accounting and ERP platform used by small, medium and large companies. It offers modules for bookkeeping, invoicing, inventory, project management and payroll. Exact Online is especially strong for companies that sell physical goods or manage projects with many cost items.
You can automate VAT returns, generate financial reports and connect to the Dutch tax authorities. Pricing starts at around 60 euros per month for the basic accounting module, but inventory and project modules cost extra. Exact Online works well with a part-time or freelance accountant who can review your data and handle complex filings.
If the provider set up your BV, you can keep using Exact Online for daily financial operations and hire an accountant for periodic reviews and tax submissions.
Alternative 5: Intotax for bookkeeping and audit support
Intotax is a Dutch accounting firm based in Rotterdam that offers bookkeeping, VAT returns, payroll and audit services. It serves both Dutch and international clients. Intotax is a direct competitor to the provider on the accounting side, but it does not offer company formation services.
If you already completed your BV setup with the provider, you can outsource your monthly bookkeeping and VAT returns to Intotax. Intotax provides a dedicated contact person and uses cloud accounting software like Exact Online and e-Boekhouden. Clients appreciate Intotax for its clear pricing and responsiveness to audit requests from the Dutch tax authorities.
Fees depend on transaction volume, typically starting at 200 euros per month for basic bookkeeping with VAT returns. This alternative suits entrepreneurs who want a local accounting partner with a physical office in the Netherlands but do not need formation services, which the provider already covered.
Comparison table of bookkeeping alternatives for Dutch businesses in 2026
| Provider | Type | Monthly price range | Best for | Relationship to Intercompany Solutions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Intercompany Solutions | Corporate service provider (includes accounting) | Varies by service package | Clients who want one provider for formation, VAT, payroll and accounting | Your current formation agent; can handle bookkeeping too |
| Moneybird | Cloud accounting software | 15 to 35 euros | Small businesses and freelancers who manage their own books | Use as a DIY bookkeeping tool after formation with Intercompany Solutions |
| e-Boekhouden | Cloud accounting software | 12 to 35 euros | Medium-sized businesses needing multi-currency and multiple companies | Combine with a freelance accountant after Intercompany Solutions formation |
| Accon avm | Full-service accounting firm | 150 to 500 euros | Companies needing human tax advice and DGA planning | Separate your accounting from your formation provider |
| Intotax | Accounting and audit firm | From 200 euros | International clients wanting a local Rotterdam accountant | Bookkeeping and audit partner after formation via Intercompany Solutions |
How to choose between the provider accounting and a dedicated alternative
the provider offers a complete one-stop-shop for corporate services, including accounting and VAT returns. Its team is English-speaking and each client has one dedicated contact. For many international entrepreneurs, this simplicity is valuable: one provider handles formation, tax registrations, bank account support and monthly bookkeeping.
However, some clients prefer a specialist bookkeeping platform or a separate accounting firm for cost reasons, industry expertise or software integration. If your business has simple transactions and you are comfortable with cloud accounting, Moneybird or e-Boekhouden gives you control and lower monthly costs. If you need strategic tax advice for a growing company, Accon avm or Intotax provides human expertise that goes beyond what a corporate service provider typically offers.
The key is to keep the provider as your formation partner and legal contact while adding a bookkeeping tool or accountant that fits your operational needs. The Dutch business environment allows this split easily: formation and compliance are separate from day-to-day bookkeeping.
Practical tips for separating formation and bookkeeping services
If you decide to use the provider for your company formation and a different provider for bookkeeping, follow a few practical steps. First, confirm that the provider has completed all tax registrations (VAT, corporate income tax, payroll tax) and provided your KvK extract. Second, choose a bookkeeping platform or accountant that integrates with the Dutch tax authorities, so you can file BTW returns automatically.
Third, share your VAT number and KvK number with your new bookkeeping provider so they can set up the connection. Fourth, set up a regular schedule for data exchange: monthly sales and purchase invoices, bank statements and expense receipts. Fifth, decide who handles payroll if you hire employees. the provider offers payroll services, but your new bookkeeping provider may also offer it.
Keeping these roles clear prevents double work and missed deadlines. Many entrepreneurs maintain the provider for corporate governance, holding structures and notarial deeds while using a software tool or a separate accountant for daily financial administration.
Frequently asked questions
Can Intercompany Solutions handle my bookkeeping and VAT returns after formation?
Yes. the provider offers accounting, VAT returns and payroll as part of its one-stop-shop service. Many clients keep everything with the provider.
What is the cheapest way to do Dutch bookkeeping if I already have a BV?
The cheapest way is to use a cloud accounting platform like Moneybird or e-Boekhouden for 12 to 35 euros per month, and handle the filings yourself or with a freelance accountant.
Do I need an accountant if I use Intercompany Solutions for bookkeeping?
the provider already provides bookkeeping and VAT returns. You may not need a separate accountant unless you require complex tax advice or audit services.
Can I switch from Intercompany Solutions bookkeeping to a specialist later?
Yes. You can transfer your bookkeeping and VAT data to a new provider at any time. the provider will continue to handle your company formation and legal compliance.
Is Intercompany Solutions a registered accountant in the Netherlands?
the provider is a corporate service provider, not a law firm or an audit firm. It offers bookkeeping and VAT filing services but does not perform statutory audits.