10-year anniversary, Day of the self-employed professional and more

Hi entrepreneur! 

This month is extra special because we are celebrating the 10-year anniversary of Digitaal Ondernemersplein, which is the Dutch-language counterpart of Business.gov.nl. With that, we also celebrate the existence of Business.gov.nl. Since the beginning, we have been committed to supporting entrepreneurs in their journey to success and will remain so for the future!  

Furthermore, this edition will once again see us dive into topics that will be important for you as an entrepreneur this April. Topics such as the Day of the self-employed professional in the Netherlands, taking company emergency response measures, submitting your tax returns, and of course, celebrating King's Day! We share valuable information, tips and support on these topics to help your business thrive. 

🎂 10-year anniversary of Digitaal Ondernemersplein and Business.gov.nl 🎂 

This month we celebrate that Dutch-laguage counterpart, Digitaal Ondernemersplein, exists for 10 years! This marks a special milestone for our platform. For a decade now, we have worked to offer one central hub for all your questions, valuable information, advice and support to help your businesses in the Netherlands grow and flourish. We are proud of the role we continue to play in supporting a large number of entrepreneurs in navigating the challenges and opportunities of entrepreneurship in the Netherlands. Here's to another 10 years of innovation, growth and successful entrepreneurship! 

Day of the self-employed professional without staff 🧑💻

On 13 April, we celebrate the contributions made by self-employed professional in the Netherlands to the Dutch economy. Do you consider working as a freelancer or self-employed professional without staff (zzp'er)? The good news is that you can usually get started quickly and easily. Whether you are considering freelancing full-time or part-time alongside your main job, it is essential to register as a sole proprietorship with the Netherlands Chamber of Commerce (KVK). 

Working as a freelancer offers both advantages and disadvantages. You need to arrange your own pension and disability insurance, but you can often also charge a higher hourly rate. And you can have the freedom to choose your clients and projects. Before you get started, it is therefore crucial to prepare yourself by thinking about how you will acquire clients, write a business plan, set your hourly rate and make sure you meet the KVK and Netherlands Tax Administration criteria to be recognised as an entrepreneur. 

In addition, familiarise yourself with the various deductions and tax schemes available to self-employed professionals to maximise your tax benefits. Remember to register your business with the KVK and consider keeping your home address private by registering an alternative postal address. Finally, stay on top of finding potential clients, assess your working relationships, and plan for your retirement. If you need more guidance, there are several sector organisations and networks in the Netherlands that offer support and advice for self-employed professionals.  

Have you taken company emergency response measures? 🩺

28 April marks World Day for Safety and Health at Work. A good opportunity to reflect on the importance of a safe working environment for both your employees and any visitors. Taking company emergency response measures, commonly known as BHV in Dutch, is essential in this respect. Good BHV practices include well-trained emergency response officers who can assist in various emergencies and calamities, and ensure the safety of everyone present. These emergency response officers must be properly equipped to be able to provide first aid and prevent unsafe situations. Their number can be determined through a risk inventory and evaluation (RI&E) and depends on factors such as the size of your business and the associated risks. In addition, it is important to ensure that these officers receive adequate training (and frequent re-training) and are equipped with the necessary tools. Having an emergency response plan is crucial for efficiently managing emergencies. This plan should describe specific actions to be taken in different emergency scenarios.  

Moreover, for construction sites, it is vital that contractors and subcontractors work together on emergency response measures that are coordinated in the health and safety plan. Remember that even if a few workers work on a private individual's property, it is considered a construction site, which emphasises the importance of complying with safety protocols at all times.  

Submitting tax returns 💸

Since March, it is once again possible to submit your tax returns for the past year in the Netherlands. It is mandatory for entrepreneurs in the Netherlands to submit their tax returns. After you register your business with the KVK, the Netherlands Tax Administration determines which taxes you have to declare regularly. These include income tax, turnover tax (VAT), payroll tax and more.  

You can easily submit your tax returns digitally using the Netherlands Tax Administration's website with the login details provided. You also have the option of using software applications from commercial companies, where Standard Business Reporting (SBR) is the preferred method for certain taxes. If necessary, you can also delegate this task to an intermediary such as a payroll manager, accountant, or tax consultant. Remember that submitting in time is essential to avoid penalties. If circumstances prevent you from meeting the deadline, you can request an extension of the due date.  

If you live abroad but pay income tax to the Netherlands, you may still be entitled to the same deductible items, tax credits and the tax-free allowance as Dutch resident. Make sure you do not miss any deadlines and take advantage of the available schemes!  

King’s Day in the Netherlands 👑🧡

It’s also time for King’s Day! King’s Day, or Koningsdag in Dutch, is among the most popular national holidays in the Netherlands. It is celebrated annually on 27 April in honour of the king, Willem-Alexander. On this day, the whole country is covered in orange, festive activities, and an even so festive atmosphere. Traditionally, there are free markets all over the country, where people can sell and buy their stuff, street parties, parades, and all sorts of other activities. It is an opportunity for people of all ages to get together, enjoy music, good food and drinks and celebrate the King’s birthday!  

For entrepreneurs, King’s Day offers a unique opportunity to connect with the local community, promote their business and attract new customers. In short, King’s Day is not only a celebration, but also a great opportunity for entrepreneurs to boost their business and achieve more success.  

Do you have any topics you would like to see covered in our next newsletter? Great! We are open to suggestions. Send us a message with the topic that interests you, and who knows, you might see it featured in our next edition. 

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