What on Earth is Box 3? 🇳🇱
Welcome to the wild world of Dutch asset taxation. Box 3 is where the Belastingdienst taxes your "income from savings and investments".
💰 The "Fictional" Return
Unlike many countries that tax your actual gains (like capital gains tax), the Netherlands currently uses a fictional return system (forggais rendement).
The government assumes you made a certain percentage of profit based on the type of assets you hold, regardless of your actual performance.
- Savings: Low assumed return (approx 1.0% - 1.5%).
- Investments: High assumed return (approx 6%).
- Debts: Deducted at a specific rate (approx 2.5%).
⚖️ The "Bridging" Law
Important: The system is in a transition phase following a Supreme Court ruling.
Currently, we are in the "Overbruggingswet" (Bridging Act) phase. The tax office now looks at your actual mix of assets.
Previously, they assumed a mix based on your total wealth. Now, if you have 100% savings, you are taxed at the low savings rate. If you have 100% stocks, you are taxed at the high investment rate.