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Comparison 2026

Outsource your tax return: all options compared

What does it cost to outsource your Dutch tax return? We compare the four most common options in the Netherlands — from free DIY to a personal tax advisor.

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Every year, millions of Dutch residents file their tax returns. Some do it themselves, others outsource it. But which option suits you? And what does it cost? In this overview, we compare the four most common ways to handle your tax return.

DIY via Belastingdienst

You fill in your tax return yourself via Mijn Belastingdienst. Suitable for simple situations without complications.

€ 0Free
  • Completely free
  • Directly accessible via DigiD
  • Pre-filled data available
  • No personal advice
  • Risk of missed deductions
  • No help with complex situations
  • Errors are your own responsibility

Best for: Employees with only salary income, without property or special deductions.

Online filing service

You upload your data and an employee fills in the return for you. No personal advice — purely form filling.

€ 50 – € 90Budget
  • Affordable
  • You don't have to fill it in yourself
  • Quick turnaround
  • No tax advice
  • No deduction review
  • Often no direct contact with an advisor
  • Limited support for follow-up questions

Best for: People who find DIY too much hassle but have a simple tax situation.

Best value

Online tax advisor (fixed price)

An experienced tax specialist handles your complete return, reviews all deductions, and provides personal advice. Online, with direct contact. Fixed price, no surprises.

From € 219
  • Personal tax specialist handles your return
  • Full deduction review — average €847 extra refund
  • Direct contact via phone, email or chat
  • Fixed price — no hourly rates or hidden costs
  • Suitable for complex situations (property, freelancer, expat)
  • More expensive than DIY or filing service
  • No physical office (everything online)

Best for: Anyone who wants to maximize their return: employees with deductions, freelancers, expats, homeowners.

Traditional tax office

A tax advisor at a physical office handles your return. Usually hourly rates, with varying costs depending on complexity.

€ 300 – € 600+Premium
  • In-person contact at office
  • Suitable for very complex situations
  • Extensive tax guidance possible
  • Hourly rates — costs can add up
  • Price often unclear upfront
  • Less flexible (office hours)
  • Often more expensive than online alternatives

Best for: People with very complex tax situations who want in-person guidance at an office.

Comparison table: all options side by side

DIYFiling serviceOnline advisorTraditional office
PriceFree€ 50 – € 90From € 219€ 300 – € 600+
Personal adviceNoNoYesYes
Deduction reviewNoLimitedComprehensiveComprehensive
Direct contactNoLimitedYes (phone, email, chat)Yes (at office)
Fixed priceN/AYesYesUsually not
Suitable for freelancersLimitedNoYesYes
Suitable for expatsNoNoYesYes
Average extra refund——€ 847Varies greatly

Why choose an online tax advisor?

Most Dutch residents leave money on the table with their tax return. An experienced tax specialist knows exactly which deductions you can claim.

€ 847average extra refund vs. DIY
3,400+clients helped
4.9 / 5Google rating
< 24hresponse time

Prefer to outsource to a personal tax specialist?

At Jan de Belastingman you pay a fixed price from €219. No hourly rates, no hidden costs. Your tax specialist is always available.

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FAQ

Questions about outsourcing your tax return

Can't find your question? Please contact us .

Costs vary by service type. DIY via Belastingdienst is free. An online filing service costs €50–€90. An online tax advisor with personal advice costs from €219 (fixed price). A traditional tax office charges on average €300–€600+, usually hourly rates.
In the Netherlands you can choose from various types of service providers: online filing services that only fill in your form (€50–€90), online tax advisors that provide personal advice and fully handle your return (from €219), and traditional offices with physical appointments (€300–€600+). Jan de Belastingman is an online tax advisor with fixed prices and personal contact.
That depends on your situation. Do you only have salary income without complications? Then you can do it yourself. But do you have property, are you a freelancer, expat, or have multiple income sources? Then outsourcing almost always pays off. Clients of Jan de Belastingman receive on average €847 more refund than when filing themselves.
Yes, you can have your tax return done entirely online by a tax advisor. At Jan de Belastingman you upload your documents online, an experienced tax specialist handles your return, and you have direct contact via phone, email or chat. Everything online, but with personal service.
A filing service only fills in your form based on the data you provide — without review or advice. A tax advisor analyzes your complete tax situation, reviews all deductions, and provides personal advice to reduce your tax burden. The difference can amount to hundreds of euros in refund.
The 2025 tax return can be filed from March 1, 2026. The deadline is May 1, 2026. Filing late? You risk a fine of €469 or more. A tax advisor can also request an extension until September 1, 2026.
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