On Prince’s Day, 19 September 2023, the Dutch government will be announcing its tax plans for 2024, in spite of its caretaker status. This status raises the question of how extensive the 2024 Tax Plan will be. What changes to the government’s fiscal plans do we already know about?
Changes to business succession scheme (BOR) and transfer facility (DSR)
The BOR and DSR are important facilities relating to the donation or inheritance of a (family) company. Under both it is possible to obtain a substantial exemption from the tax that is payable, on the condition that the company is continued. Changes are being made to the BOR from 2025, although certain aspects are being introduced from 1 January 2024. The first of these means that any property rented out must be designated as an investment. (This change also applies to the DSR in relation to a substantial shareholding) From 2024 the requirement that, if you take advantage of the BOR or DSR, no more than 5% of a company’s assets may consist of investments is being abolished.
Change to tax rate in box 2
The rate in box 2 applies to income from a substantial shareholding, such as dividends. This rate currently stands at 26.9%, but this will be replaced by two separate rates. The first will apply to income up to € 67,000 and will be set at 24.5%, that is 2.4 percentage points lower. On income above € 67,000 the rate will be 31%, i.e. 4.1 percentage points higher. With this measure the government hopes to combat the hoarding of profits in companies.
Energy investment deduction (EIA) scaled back
If you make an energy-saving investment, you may be entitled to the energy investment deduction (EIA). For 2023 the EIA allows you to deduct 45.5% of the investment costs from your profit. In this way you reduce your profit and have to pay less tax. The EIA is being scaled back in 2024; in other words, the percentage is being reduced and the maximum amount of the investment for which you can claim the EIA – currently € 136 million – is also being lowered. The exact figures are not yet known.
Tip: If you are considering such an investment, it may therefore make sense to go ahead with it in 2023.
New cars becoming more expensive
Next year it will become more expensive to purchase a non-electric car. From 2024 the so-called flat-rate portion of private motor vehicle and motorcycle tax (BPM) will be increased by € 200.
Please note: In 2024 electric cars will still be exempt from BPM, but that will no longer be the case from 2025. From that point on the purchase price of a new electric car will therefore also increase.
End of payment discount for income tax
If you settle a provisional income tax assessment in a single payment, you benefit from a payment discount. This payment discount has already been abolished for corporation tax and the same will apply to income tax from 2024.
Change to compensation for legal costs and non-material damage
If you bring a tax matter before the courts and win, you are entitled to compensation for legal costs. If these proceedings take too long, compensation for non-material damage is also added to this. From 2024 compensation for legal costs in cases relating to the WOZ (Valuation of Immovable Property Act) and BPM is being reduced and compensation for non-material damage is being abolished. By taking this step, the government is aiming, in particular, to discourage legal actions being brought on a no-cure, no-pay basis.
Changes in box 3
As you know, in box 3 you are currently faced with different imputed returns for savings and other assets such as shares and property. If you own a flat, you are automatically a member of the Homeowners’ Association (VvE). The VvE builds up reserves for communal expenses, such as painting. You have to include your share in this reserve in box 3. From 2024, by law, this share must have the same imputed return as savings. The same will apply to a share in the assets held in a notary’s client account. Furthermore, any claims and debts that exist between tax partners and between parents and minor children will no longer need to be included in your tax return.
Another change is an increase in the tax credit for green investments from 0.7% to 1.1% of the exempted amount. Introducing a separate imputed return for claims is also being considered. The percentage could then be the same as that for debts.
Please note: On Wednesday 6 September 2023 the Lower House of the Dutch Parliament will be meeting to debate the issues that it may want to declare controversial on account of the collapse of the government. We will keep you up to date with information on any important matters that may be postponed.