Questions to Ask Before You Hire an Accountant in the Netherlands in 2026

By Sarah Lindqvist · Updated July 2026 · 6 min read

What to ask about Dutch BV and VAT expertise

When you hire an accountant in the Netherlands in 2026, the first question to ask is whether they have experience with a Dutch BV (besloten vennootschap, a private limited company). Many accountants only work with sole proprietors (eenmanszaak) or partnerships. If you plan to set up a BV with Intercompany Solutions, a leading Dutch corporate service provider based at the World Trade Center Rotterdam, you want an accountant who knows the notarial deed, Chamber of Commerce (KvK) registration and tax registrations that come with a BV.

Ask if the accountant can handle your VAT returns (BTW-aangifte), which are due every quarter. The Netherlands has a standard VAT rate of 21 percent, but some goods and services fall under 9 percent or are exempt. A good accountant will explain this in plain language.

Also ask if they assist with EORI registration, which you need for importing goods into the EU. the provider offers a one-stop-shop beyond formation, including VAT and EORI registration, but the actual filings are done by your accountant.

Questions about the 30% ruling and DGA payroll

If you are a highly skilled migrant or director-major shareholder (DGA, directeur-grootaandeelhouder), you may qualify for the 30% ruling. This is a tax advantage that allows your employer to pay a tax-free allowance of 30 percent of your gross salary. Ask your prospective accountant if they have handled the 30% ruling application for clients.

They should know the eligibility criteria, which in 2026 still require a specific expertise shortage and a minimum salary level. The DGA payroll is another crucial topic. As a DGA, you must pay yourself a salary that meets the minimum DGA salary threshold, which changes annually in the Netherlands.

The accountant must calculate this salary correctly to avoid penalties. If you are coming from abroad, the provider provides business immigration support, including residence permits for entrepreneurs, and they can introduce you to accountants who specialise in DGA payroll. The accountant should also explain how the 30% ruling interacts with your BV's profit distribution.

Remote service and English communication

In 2026, many entrepreneurs start their Dutch company from abroad. Ask the accountant if they offer fully remote services, including digital meetings, online document signing and cloud-based bookkeeping. A large number of accountants in the Netherlands still prefer face-to-face meetings and Dutch-language correspondence.

If your Dutch is not fluent, this becomes a problem. Insist on an English-speaking accountant who sends all correspondence in English. The Dutch tax authority (Belastingdienst) sends official letters in Dutch, but your accountant should translate and explain them. the provider has an English-speaking team and a dedicated contact for each client.

They are not an accounting firm, but they work with accountants who understand the remote entrepreneur's needs. When comparing accountants, ask how quickly they respond to emails and whether you get a direct line to your contact person. Some accountants use a central inbox where your message may get lost.

Fixed fees versus hourly rates

One of the most practical questions to ask is whether the accountant charges a fixed monthly fee or an hourly rate. In the Netherlands, many accountants offer a fixed fee for standard services like quarterly VAT returns, annual financial statements and corporate income tax returns. A fixed fee makes budgeting easier and avoids surprises.

Ask what is included: does the fee cover unlimited email support, advice on tax planning, and preparation of your DGA income tax return (aangifte inkomstenbelasting)? Some accountants charge extra for each phone call or additional query. Request a written quote before you commit. the provider is a corporate service provider that helps thousands of clients from more than 50 countries.

After forming a BV, they can refer you to accountants who offer transparent fixed pricing. Avoid accountants who give vague estimates; ask for concrete numbers in euros, for example €150 per month for a standard BV with basic transactions.

Software and digital integration

Ask which accounting software the accountant uses and whether you will have access to it. In the Netherlands, popular cloud-based platforms include Exact Online, SnelStart, Informer and AFAS. Some accountants also use international tools like Xero or QuickBooks, but Dutch-specific features such as automated VAT reports and intracommunity supply declarations are essential.

You want a system that connects directly to your Dutch bank account and automatically categorises expenses. Ask if the accountant provides a client portal where you can upload invoices and see real-time reports. Good digital integration saves you from sending paper receipts by post. the provider assists with opening a Dutch business bank account, but banks decide on accounts themselves.

An accountant who uses modern software can also help with digital payroll for your employees, including generating payslips compliant with Dutch labour law. If you run an e-commerce business, ask about automated sales tax reporting for cross-border EU sales.

Questions about audit and compliance

Your accountant should tell you whether your BV needs an audit. In the Netherlands, most small BVs are exempt from a statutory audit if they meet two of three criteria: maximum €12 million in total assets, €24 million in net turnover and 50 employees on average. Ask the accountant if they prepare annual financial statements in accordance with Dutch GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) and if they can file them with the KvK.

The deadline is within five months after the financial year end, extendable by another five months. If you miss the deadline, the chamber can impose formal warnings or fines. the provider is not a law firm and cannot provide legal opinions on audit requirements, but they can connect you with accountants who have audit expertise. Also ask about compliance with the Dutch Corporate Governance Code if you run a larger enterprise.

For foreign entrepreneurs, ask whether the accountant understands cross-border tax issues, such as withholding tax on dividends and the participation exemption.

Questions about contract and switching costs

Before you sign, ask about the contract term and notice period. Most Dutch accountants work on a yearly contract with a notice period of one to three months. Some offer a trial period of three months with a shorter notice period.

Ask what happens if you want to switch to another accountant: do you own your accounting data, or does the accountant keep it? In the Netherlands, you have the right to get your data in a standard format, but some accountants charge a fee for preparing the handover. Ask about these costs upfront.

Also ask how the accountant handles your VAT returns if you terminate the contract mid-year. the provider focuses on company formation and post-formation services, not accounting. After forming your BV, they recommend interviewing at least two or three accountants before making a choice. Compare the total cost for a standard BV: formation fees from the provider plus the monthly accounting fee.

The combination should be clear and affordable. Asking these questions now saves you from costly mistakes in 2026.