What does it cost to have your tax return filed?
Many people in the Netherlands wonder: what does it actually cost to have your tax return done by a professional? The answer depends on your situation and who you choose. In this article, we lay out all options and prices.
Price comparison: all options at a glance
Costs vary significantly. Here's what you can expect in 2026:
| Option | Price (indication) | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|
| Do it yourself via Tax Authority | Free | Simple situations (employment) |
| Online filing software | €30 — €80 | Employment with home ownership |
| Tax advisor (individual) | €150 — €350 | Home ownership, deductions, Box 3 |
| Tax advisor (freelancer) | €350 — €800 | Entrepreneurs, freelancers |
| Accounting firm | €500 — €1,500+ | BV, DGA, complex structures |
Option 1: Do it yourself (free)
The Dutch Tax Authority offers a free online filing environment via Mijn Belastingdienst. You log in with DigiD and much of the information is already pre-filled.
Advantages:
- Free
- Much data already filled in
- Suitable for simple situations
Disadvantages:
- No help with errors or missed deductions
- Pre-filled returns regularly contain errors
- In more complex situations, you'll likely miss deductions
Option 2: Online filing software (€30 — €80)
Services like Finanzen.nl help with extra checks and tips beyond the standard filing. They usually cost between €30 and €80.
Option 3: Tax advisor (€150 — €800)
A tax advisor reviews your situation personally and ensures you don't miss deductions. The price depends on complexity:
Individuals (€150 — €350)
For employees with home ownership, medical expenses, donations, or other deductions. An advisor often finds more refund than you'd expect. At Jan de Belastingman, you pay a fixed price of €219 for a complete individual tax return — no surprises.
Freelancers and entrepreneurs (€350 — €800)
The return for entrepreneurs is more complex: business deductions, VAT, investment deductions and bookkeeping. A specialist experienced in this area often saves you more than the cost. Our freelancer filing service costs a fixed price of €549 including the complete return with business concept.
Expats and relocations (€250 — €500)
Moved to the Netherlands? Then you're dealing with an M-form, possibly the 30% ruling and international aspects. This is specialist work. Check our relocation filing service (fixed price: €299).
Option 4: Accounting firm (€500 — €1,500+)
A full accounting firm is the most expensive option but offers the most certainty for complex situations like a BV, DGA structure, or international assets.
Fixed price vs. hourly rate
This is an important difference to watch for:
Hourly rate — Many accountants and advisors charge by the hour (€75 — €200 per hour). The downside: you don't know the cost in advance. An unexpected complication can significantly increase the bill.
Fixed price — More and more advisors work with a fixed price. You know exactly what you'll pay, regardless of how long it takes. At Jan de Belastingman, we exclusively work with fixed prices. No surprises.
When does an advisor pay for itself?
A good rule of thumb: if an advisor costs €219 and finds €400 in extra refund you would have missed, you've earned €181 net. In practice, we see this regularly:
- Forgotten mortgage interest deduction → hundreds of euros in refund
- Unreported medical expenses → €100-€500 extra
- Unused tax credits → up to €200 per year
- Optimal division with fiscal partner → €200-€800 benefit
Free check: discover how much you can save
Not sure if an advisor is right for you? At Jan de Belastingman, we offer a free and no-obligation tax check. We look at your situation and honestly tell you whether it's worth it. No obligations.
Summary
The cost of having your tax return filed ranges from free (do it yourself) to over €1,500 (accounting firm). For most individuals and freelancers, a tax advisor with a fixed price offers the best balance between cost and certainty. At Jan de Belastingman, you pay from €219 for a complete return, with personal guidance and a Trustpilot score of 4.6.
