Outsourcing your Dutch tax return: costs, options and tips (2026)

Outsource or DIY?

Every year, millions of Dutch residents need to file their tax return. The big question: do you do it yourself, or outsource it? In this article, we compare all options and show you what it really costs in 2026.

Option 1: DIY via Mijn Belastingdienst

Cost: free

The Dutch tax authority offers a free online portal where you can fill in your return yourself. Much of the data is pre-filled (salary, bank accounts, WOZ value). For simple situations — only salary income, no property or special deductions — this works fine.

Downside: you get no advice. No check for missed deductions. And if you make mistakes, you're liable. Research shows that many Dutch residents leave money on the table simply because they don't know what they're entitled to.

Option 2: Online filing service

Cost: €50 – €90

With an online filing service, you upload your data and an employee fills in the form for you. You don't receive personal advice — it's purely administrative work. The employee doesn't actively check whether you're missing deductions.

This can be useful if you find filling in forms difficult but have a simple situation. Keep in mind that follow-up support is often limited.

Option 3: Online tax advisor

Cost: from €219 (fixed price)

With an online tax advisor, an experienced tax specialist handles your complete return. The big difference from a filing service: you get personal advice, deductions are actively reviewed, and you have direct contact via phone, email or chat.

At Jan de Belastingman, you pay a fixed price from €219 for individuals and from €549 for freelancers. No hourly rates, no hidden costs. Our clients receive on average €847 more refund than when filing themselves.

This is the best option if you have property, are a freelancer, have multiple income sources, or simply want to make sure you're not missing anything.

Option 4: Traditional tax office

Cost: €300 – €600+

A tax advisor at a physical office handles your return. You get personal contact and advice, but costs are significantly higher. Most offices work with hourly rates, making the total price unclear upfront.

This can be worthwhile for very complex situations (business transfers, international structures), but for most individuals and freelancers, an online advisor is a better alternative.

Comparison: what do you get for your money?

The table below summarizes the four options:

Our recommendation

Only have salary income with no complications? Go ahead and do it yourself — it's free and perfectly doable for simple situations. But if you have property, are a freelancer, inherited assets, or simply want to make sure you're not leaving money on the table? Then it pays to hire an online tax advisor. The difference in refund is often many times greater than the cost.

Check our pricing overview or start with a free assessment.