From financial year 2025 onwards, as an entrepreneur, you are required to file your financial statements digitally with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce. This applies to all legal entities, including large legal entities such as large B.V.s, which previously still had an exemption. The transition to digital filing is an important step for the government toward more efficient and comparable financial reporting.
What is XBRL?
XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language) is an international standard for digital reporting. In the Netherlands, we call this SBR (Standard Business Reporting). It ensures that financial data can be processed in a structured, automated manner. It is not possible to read an XBRL document without using software to convert it into a readable format.
Or iXBRL?
There is also an alternative: iXBRL, where the 'i' stands for 'inline'. This is a format that is readable for humans and machines. HTML and XBRL are combined. This format is also easy to publish online and allows the layout of the original annual report to be retained in the digital document that is filed.. iXBRL is also called the SBR Report Package.
Using iXBRL, or the SBR Report Package when filing digitally, is necessary if:
- The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with IFRS.
- There are images and tables in the document to be filed.
- The financial statements contain entity‑specific information or deviate from the standard structure and presentation.
- You consider the layout and structure of the data important in the document to be filed.
- Sustainability information according to the CSRD/ESRS is included in the annual report, and you are required to comply with the CSRD.
What does this mean for you?
- Your financial statements must be submitted in a digital format.
- Exemptions for paper or PDF versions lapse.
- You may need to switch to different software or seek support.
- The auditor must audit and sign the digital financial statements.
What does this mean for legal entities with a 403 or 408 exemption?
For financial years starting on or after 1 January 2025, for legal entities with a 403 exemption, the group’s consolidated annual report can be filed in a simple HTML file. This HTML file contains only the required markings for filing.
The same is expected to apply for legal entities with a 408 exemption; however, a one‑year postponement applies. This means that for the 2025 financial year, they may file the group annual report as a PDF by email.
For organisations with a foreign parent company, it is important to start the conversation on time. Is the group able to provide the consolidated financial statements in (i)XBRL? And who is responsible for the conversion and submission?
How to prepare for SBR filing of your annual report?
- Check whether you fall under the new rules
- Inform yourself about the changes in (i)XBRL with a webinar
- Choose the right format for digital reporting, XBRL or iXBRL, for your organisation
Digital reporting in XBRL format
Grant Thornton can fully prepare a digital report in XBRL format for you if we prepare your financial statements.
Digital reporting in iXBRL format
The process is as follows:
- We can put you in contact with an external party that has excelled in the field of XBRL for years. Of course, you can also select another provider yourself.
- You send the annual report, including the auditor’s report, to the XBRL party (before the approval during the General Meeting).
- They prepare an iXBRL (SBR Report Package) and send it to you for approval.
- You review the iXBRL and send it to Grant Thornton for verification. We then generate a hash code, which we send to you. This code indicates that the iXBRL content has not been altered since then.
- The XBRL party can then file the annual report within 8 days after approval at the General Meeting.
Do you need help?
We are happy to help. Contact your accountant to discuss your specific situation. Together, we will ensure you comply with the new rules.
Contact us
Would you like to read more?
More information can be found on the SBR website:
