Tax Refund (Belastingteruggave)
A tax refund (belastingteruggave) is the amount you receive back from the Tax Authority when it turns out you paid more tax than you owed. This often happens when you have deductions that were not already offset through your <a href="/en/glossary/payroll-tax">payroll tax</a>, such as <a href="/en/glossary/mortgage-interest-deduction">mortgage interest</a>, <a href="/en/glossary/healthcare-cost-deduction">healthcare costs</a>, or <a href="/en/glossary/charitable-donation-deduction">donations</a>. The refund is calculated after your <a href="/en/glossary/tax-return">tax return</a> is processed and your <a href="/en/glossary/final-tax-assessment">final assessment</a> is issued. The amount is deposited into your account within a few weeks. Don't want to wait that long? Request a provisional refund and receive the benefit monthly.
Example
After your 2025 return, it turns out you overpaid €2,400 in payroll tax thanks to your mortgage interest deduction and healthcare costs. The Tax Authority deposits this amount into your bank account within 6 weeks.
Why does this matter?
On average, Dutch residents get back over €1,000 after filing. Yet not everyone files, and many people miss deductions. Have a professional <a href="/en/tax-filing">handle your return</a> and maximize your refund.
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