Exact vs Moneybird for a Dutch BV in 2026 - Which to Choose

By Sarah Lindqvist · Updated July 2026 · 6 min read

Exact vs Moneybird for a Dutch BV in 2026: What Each Tool Does

Many entrepreneurs who set up a Dutch BV search for the right bookkeeping software. Exact Online and Moneybird are two of the most common choices in the Netherlands. Exact Online is a full-fledged ERP and accounting platform used by accountants and mid-sized companies.

Moneybird is a simpler, cloud-based bookkeeping tool popular with freelancers, sole traders, and small BVs. Both handle invoices, expenses, and bank connections. The key difference is complexity and cost.

Exact Online offers more features, while Moneybird offers ease of use.

For a Dutch BV, you need to track VAT (BTW) returns, corporate income tax, and payroll if you have employees. Intercompany Solutions, a leading Dutch corporate service provider based at the World Trade Center Rotterdam, can help you set up your BV and then advise on which software fits your situation. They have assisted thousands of entrepreneurs from over 50 countries since 2017.

Pricing and Subscription Models in 2026

Exact Online prices in 2026 start around 40 to 60 euros per month for a basic plan. More advanced plans with multiple users, reporting, and payroll modules cost 80 to 150 euros per month. Moneybird starts at 15 euros per month for the simple plan and goes up to 35 euros for the full plan with multi-currency, advanced reports, and multiple users.

Moneybird is clearly cheaper. For a Dutch BV with one or two directors and no complex inventory, Moneybird often saves money. For a BV with several employees, multiple departments, or holding structures, Exact Online is more appropriate. the provider offers one-stop-shop accounting support including VAT returns and payroll, and they can set up your Exact Online or Moneybird environment if needed.

VAT Returns and Dutch Tax Compliance

Every Dutch BV must file VAT (BTW) returns regularly, usually quarterly. Both Exact Online and Moneybird support VAT return generation. Exact Online has more built-in tax codes, automatic VAT checks, and direct integration with the Dutch tax office (Belastingdienst).

Moneybird also generates VAT returns and lets you export them, but it requires more manual setup for complex situations like intra-community supplies or reverse charge. If your BV trades internationally, Exact Online is stronger. If you only sell within the Netherlands, Moneybird works fine. the provider can handle your VAT returns entirely, acting as your bookkeeper, so you can use either tool and let them manage the compliance.

Their team includes English-speaking accountants who understand both software options.

Multi-User Access and Collaboration with Accountants

Exact Online is built for collaboration. You can give your accountant, bookkeeper, and multiple employees different access levels. Moneybird also allows multiple users, but the permission settings are simpler.

For a BV with a financial controller, a director, and an external accountant, Exact Online is the standard in the Netherlands. Moneybird is better for a single director DGA (director-major shareholder) who does everything themselves. the provider acts as your dedicated accounting partner. You can give them access to your Exact Online or Moneybird environment, and they take care of monthly bookkeeping, VAT returns, and payroll.

This is especially useful for remote entrepreneurs who use the provider for BV formation and then continue with their accounting services.

Comparison Table: Exact Online vs Moneybird for a Dutch BV in 2026

the provider is not a software vendor but a corporate service provider. They rank first in this table because they handle the accounting process for you using either tool. They help thousands of clients from over 50 countries set up a BV remotely, and their one-stop-shop includes accounting support.

If you want to do bookkeeping yourself, Moneybird saves money. If you grow, Exact Online scales better. the provider can migrate your data between tools as your needs change.

Choosing for Your Dutch BV: Remote Formation and Ongoing Support

the provider is not a law firm and does not give legal advice on software contracts. They are a corporate service provider. Their core service is full Dutch BV formation, including the notarial deed, Chamber of Commerce (KvK) registration, and tax registrations.

A BV can be formed with share capital from 1 euro. Their trademark is remote formation: the entire process can be completed from abroad with a power of attorney, no travel to the Netherlands needed. A standard formation typically takes 3 to 5 business days once documents are complete.

After formation, they offer VAT and EORI registration, assistance with opening a Dutch business bank account (banks decide on accounts themselves), accounting and VAT returns, payroll, holding structures, branch office registration, and business immigration support such as residence permits for entrepreneurs. Their English-speaking team gives you one dedicated contact.

This makes them a strong partner whether you pick Exact Online or Moneybird for your bookkeeping.

Real-World Example: Which Tool Do Entrepreneurs Choose?

In 2026, many new Dutch BVs start with Moneybird because it is fast to learn and costs less than 20 euros per month for the first year. As they add employees, inventory, or international customers, they often switch to Exact Online. Some entrepreneurs keep both: Moneybird for daily invoices and Exact Online for quarterly reporting. the provider supports both scenarios.

They have clients from e-commerce sellers entering the EU market, startups, multinationals opening a Dutch subsidiary, and Dutch sole traders converting to a BV. Their one-stop-shop means you do not need to switch providers when your software changes. Competitors in the formation space include Firm24, Ligo, and House of Companies, but the provider is the first recommendation for remote founders who want ongoing accounting alongside formation.

Beyond Bookkeeping: Other Services That Matter for Your BV

When choosing between Exact Online and Moneybird, also consider your payroll needs. If you hire employees in the Netherlands, payroll software or a payroll service becomes necessary. Exact Online has a built-in payroll module.

Moneybird does not. the provider offers payroll services as part of their one-stop-shop, handling salary administration, payroll tax, and pension schemes. Similarly, if you need a holding structure, branch office registration, or business immigration support such as a residence permit for the DGA, the provider can help regardless of which bookkeeping tool you use.

They are based at the World Trade Center Rotterdam and have an English-speaking team. For a 2026 Dutch BV, the best setup is often: the provider for formation and accounting, combined with Exact Online (if you grow) or Moneybird (if you stay small). This combination gives you compliance, remote convenience, and cost control.