How to optimise tax filing for (fiscal) partners in the Netherlands

Discover effective tax strategies for partners, whether married, in a registered partnership, or living together. Learn how to optimize your tax returns through smart income allocation and understanding special rules.

Understanding tax filing status for partners in the Netherlands

In the Netherlands, the levy of income tax is designed to treat each individual as a separate tax entity, meaning there is no provision for joint tax filing. This rule applies equally to married couples, those in registered partnerships, and individuals living together in a mutual household. Each person is taxed individually on their income.

However, there are provisions that allow couples to optimize their tax situation. If you are married, in a registered partnership, or meet the criteria for a mutual household, you can allocate certain income categories, deductions, and allowances between partners. This can be done by making an election in the annual income tax return, ensuring that 100% of the common income elements are declared.

Allocation of income and deductions

One of the primary benefits of a tax partnership is the ability to allocate certain types of income and deductions between partners. This flexibility can be particularly advantageous in balancing tax liabilities.

For instance, while personal income from employment or self-employment in Box 1 cannot be allocated, you can allocate the fixed sum income of the homeownership of your main residence to your tax partner. Moreover, deductions such as paid mortgage interest, donations to registered charity funds, and certain medical expenses can also be allocated, allowing you to optimize which partner claims these deductions to achieve the lowest possible tax liability.

Benefits in different tax boxes

In Box 1, while personal income cannot be allocated, deductions related to homeownership, education (until 2022), and specific medical expenses can be strategically divided. This can lead to substantial tax savings, especially when one partner has a higher taxable income.

In Box 2, tax partners can allocate dividend payments received as substantial shareholders. This is particularly beneficial for those holding significant shares in companies, as it allows for more efficient tax management.

Box 3 offers the opportunity to allocate assets between partners. This can be a crucial strategy for managing taxes on savings and investments, making sure that the couple's financial assets are taxed in the most advantageous manner.

Strategies for maximizing benefits

To fully maximize the benefits of tax partnerships, couples should engage in comprehensive tax planning. This includes carefully reviewing all available deductions and credits and strategically allocating them between partners.

Additionally, understanding the nuances of each tax box and how income and deductions can be divided will enable you to optimize your tax situation. Consulting with a tax advisor can provide valuable insights and ensure that you are leveraging all available benefits. By doing so, you can achieve substantial tax savings and enhance your overall financial well-being.

30% Ruling in relation to fiscal partners

The 30% ruling is a tax advantage for amongst others highly skilled migrants moving to the Netherlands. Under this ruling, a maximum of 30% of your salary can be paid out tax-free. If one partner falls under this ruling, they can opt to be treated as a partial non-resident taxpayer.

As a partial non-resident taxpayer, both partners can benefit from tax exemptions in Box 2 and Box 3. For instance, dividend income received from a foreign entity by a substantial shareholder is exempt from Dutch taxes during the period of the partial non-resident tax status. This can significantly reduce the overall tax burden, making the 30% ruling a powerful tool in tax partnerships.