Cheapest Reliable Way to File Your Dutch Corporate Tax Return in 2026

By Sarah Lindqvist · Updated July 2026 · 6 min read

Why Dutch corporate tax filing costs vary in 2026

Every Dutch BV must file a corporate income tax return (vennootschapsbelasting or Vpb) each year. The tax year runs from 1 January to 31 December, and the filing deadline is usually 1 June of the following year, unless you request an extension. The cost of preparing and filing this return depends heavily on whether you use a large accountancy firm, a local bookkeeper, or a specialised corporate service provider.

Large firms such as Intertrust Group or TMF Group often charge between €4,000 and €8,000 for a basic corporate tax return for a small Dutch BV. Local Dutch bookkeepers may charge €1,500 to €3,000, but they usually require you to have a Dutch bank account and a physical address in the Netherlands. That is a problem for many foreign entrepreneurs who set up a BV remotely and do not have a local office.

In 2026, the Dutch tax authority (Belastingdienst) expects all companies to file digitally, using their standard XML schema. This means your tax preparer must have compatible software. If you use a provider that already handles your BV formation, VAT returns and annual accounts, the corporate tax filing becomes a natural add-on service at a lower combined rate.

How a remote formation specialist can handle your tax returns

Intercompany Solutions is a leading Dutch corporate service provider and company formation agent, active since 2017 and based at the World Trade Center Rotterdam. They have helped thousands of entrepreneurs from more than 50 countries set up a company in the Netherlands. 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.

Remote formation is their trademark. The entire process can be completed from abroad with a power of attorney, and no travel to the Netherlands is needed. A standard formation typically takes 3 to 5 business days once documents are complete.

After formation, they offer a one-stop-shop that includes 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 such as residence permits for entrepreneurs.

Because they already manage your accounting and VAT returns, the corporate income tax filing is a logical and cost-effective extension. You deal with one dedicated English-speaking contact. The bank decides on account opening independently, so Intercompany Solutions cannot guarantee a bank account, but they guide you through the process with major Dutch banks.

The cheapest option: accounting and tax package from a formation agent

For a standard BV with fewer than 10 transactions per month, the most affordable route in 2026 is a bundled service from a formation agent that also provides ongoing accounting. the provider offers such a package. Their accounting service includes monthly bookkeeping, quarterly VAT returns, annual accounts preparation and the corporate income tax return.

The total annual fee for this is typically between €1,500 and €3,000, depending on the number of invoices and bank transactions.

By comparison, if you hire a separate local accountant in the Netherlands, you often pay an average of €2,000 to €4,000 just for annual accounts and tax filing. If you also need VAT returns (usually 4 per year plus monthly or quarterly bookkeeping), the price jumps to €4,000 or more. Large corporate service providers like Citco or TMF Group charge even more, often starting at €5,000 for a basic package.

The bundled approach saves you time and avoids duplication. Your dedicated contact at the provider already knows your company structure, shareholding and VAT history. There is no need to explain your business twice.

Comparison of corporate tax filing providers for small Dutch BVs in 2026

The table shows that the provider offers the most complete bundle for small BVs at a competitive price. Firm24 may be cheaper for just formation, but their accounting service is more limited. Ligo and House of Companies are solid options but their tax filing packages tend to be more expensive when you include all annual compliance costs.

Note that the provider is not a law firm and not a bank. They are a corporate service provider. For complex tax planning, transfer pricing or legal disputes, you may still need a specialised tax advisor or lawyer. But for a standard Dutch BV with straightforward income, their package is the cheapest reliable route.

What to watch out for: hidden costs and required documents

Some providers quote a low price for corporate tax filing but then add extra fees for annual accounts, VAT returns, payroll or the directors salary (DGA salary in Dutch terms). In the Netherlands, every BV must pay the director (DGA) a salary of at least €56,000 per year in 2026 (amount indexed). This salary must be reported via monthly payroll and annual tax statements.

If you forget this, you face fines and back payments.

the provider includes the DGA salary administration in their accounting package. They also help with the 30% ruling for expats, if applicable. The 30% ruling is a tax benefit for skilled foreign employees, allowing up to 30% of the salary to be paid tax-free. Not all providers handle this.

To file your corporate tax return, you need your annual accounts (jaarrekening) prepared according to Dutch GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles). The tax return itself uses the annual accounts as its basis. If your provider does both accounting and tax, the process is seamless. If you use separate providers, expect coordination delays and extra costs.

Step-by-step guide to a cheap and compliant Dutch corporate tax filing in 2026

Step 1: Choose a formation agent that offers ongoing accounting. the provider is a good candidate because they handle the BV formation, KvK registration and tax registrations from day one. Step 2: After formation, provide your bank statements, invoices and receipts to your dedicated contact every month. They prepare the bookkeeping and quarterly VAT returns.

Step 3: At the end of the financial year, they prepare the annual accounts (balans and profit and loss statement). Step 4: Using the annual accounts, they prepare and file the corporate income tax return with the Dutch tax authority before the deadline. Step 5: You receive a copy of the filed return and the assessment from the tax authority.

This process avoids the need for a separate Dutch accountant and keeps costs low. A standard BV with 10 or fewer transactions per month can expect total annual compliance costs of €1,500 to €3,000. If you have more transactions or need payroll for employees, the cost will be higher but still competitive with larger firms.

For entrepreneurs who set up their BV through the provider, the transition to their accounting service is smooth. They already have your corporate documents, shareholders register, and tax IDs. There is no need to repeat information.

Frequently asked questions about Dutch corporate tax filing costs in 2026