By HNFS · 4 min read
Dit artikel is alleen in het Engels beschikbaar.
If you own a Dutch BV while living abroad, choosing accounting support starts with a simple question: what exactly will the provider handle?
You may want help with everyday bookkeeping, tax returns, annual accounts or correspondence from the Dutch tax office. Before appointing a provider, agree on the services included, your responsibilities and any additional charges.
This guide provides a practical checklist for discussing your company’s needs.
The table gives a quick checklist. Each service is explained below.
| Service | What to clarify with your provider |
|---|---|
| Day-to-day bookkeeping | What is processed, how often it is updated, and when you provide documents |
| VAT returns and ICP | Who prepares, reviews and submits; who communicates the amount payable and arranges payment |
| Corporate income tax return | Included or quoted separately; who monitors the deadline and handles any extension |
| Annual accounts and KVK filing | Whether preparation, publication documents and KVK submission are covered |
| Payroll and tax-office support | Discussed separately; whether letters, information requests and tax audits are included |
Ask whether the package includes processing purchase and sales invoices, recording expenses, reconciling bank transactions and tracking unpaid customer and supplier invoices.
Also agree on how often the bookkeeping will be updated and when you need to provide documents.
Discuss whether VAT return preparation and submission are included. If your company has transactions with other EU countries, ask whether the provider will assess the need for ICP declarations and handle them where applicable.
Clarify who will review the return, communicate the amount payable and arrange payment.
Confirm whether the annual corporate income tax return is included in the package or quoted separately. Ask who will monitor the filing deadline and handle an extension request if needed.
Annual accounts and tax returns should be clearly distinguished in the service agreement. Dutch BVs generally have an annual financial-statement filing obligation with KVK.
Ask whether the quoted service covers preparing the annual accounts, preparing the publication documents and submitting them to KVK.
Source: Business.gov.nl – Filing financial statements.
If payroll support is needed, discuss it separately. Also clarify whether the package includes assistance with tax-office letters, information requests and tax audits.
The key point: avoid assuming that every service is included under the heading “accounting”.
For your service agreement, treat these as separate deliverables.
| Deliverable | What it is |
|---|---|
| Bookkeeping | The ongoing financial records of the company |
| Annual accounts | A summary of the company’s financial performance and position for the financial year: a balance sheet, profit-and-loss statement and explanatory notes |
| Statutory audit | A separate service that may be required for larger businesses; it is not part of bookkeeping or preparing accounts |
You are allowed to prepare financial statements yourself, although an accountant or bookkeeper commonly prepares them.
Source: Business.gov.nl – Annual report or financial statement.
Use these questions when comparing Dutch accounting services:
Written answers make it easier to compare packages on the same basis.
Compare the scope of the work, not just the monthly amount.
Ask the provider to explain whether the quote changes with:
Also request clarity on software charges, year-end fees and work outside the agreed package. This gives you a clearer basis for deciding whether the service suits your business.
At Haya Netherlands Financial Solutions (HNFS), we offer bookkeeping and financial reporting, VAT returns and ICP filings, payroll and DGA administration, corporate income tax returns, annual accounts and KVK filing, and tax-office support.
Our bookkeeping services include processing invoices, reconciling accounts, maintaining expense records and preparing periodic profit-and-loss and balance-sheet reports.
We provide communication in English and Dutch.
HNFS can support you during a Dutch tax audit by communicating with the Belastingdienst on your behalf and preparing and submitting requested supporting documents. The scope of this assistance can be agreed as part of your service arrangement.
This article provides general information. The appropriate services depend on your company’s activities and circumstances.
