Wage tax

Skip to content
Skip to navigation

Control of wage tax and tax efficiency for your organisation

As an employer, you are responsible for proper withholding and remittance of wage tax and employee insurance contributions. The rules are complex and change regularly. For example the mandatory 'customary pay' for directors and major shareholders, additional taxable benefit for private use of a company car or extra levies on severance payments. However, reimbursement and benefits to employees may also have tax consequences.

Errors or lack of clarity in your payroll administration can result in additional taxes, penalties or reputational damage. Our specialists ensure clarity, compliance and strategic advantage.

How can we help you?

Our specialists give you a clear outline of your wage tax position and advise you on a tax-compliant and financially attractive set-up. We help with complex issues such as customary pay, severance payments and the work-related costs scheme. In addition, we identify efficiency opportunities, for example, in employee remuneration or the use of tax exemptions. You will also gain insights into your liability risks when hiring and outsourcing, to avoid unexpected problems.

What do we offer?

Awareness of your wage tax position and tax risks
Practical set-up and optimisation of the work-related costs scheme
Strategic advice on complex wage tax issues
Review of payroll administration and customary pay
Financial optimisation of remuneration structures and allowances

How does it benefit you?

You are compliant with all relevant laws and regulations and minimise the risk of penalties or additional assessments. At the same time, you are making the most effective use of tax opportunities within wage tax, directly contributing to a better financial position. With our support, your payroll administration is tightly organised, your labour costs are under control and you create an attractive and sustainable remuneration policy.

Benefits

Practical and strategic advice tailored to your organisation
Financial benefit through the most effective use of tax schemes
Reduced risk of errors, penalties and reputation damage
Clear insights into your chain and user company liability
Better control of your labour costs and scope for better terms of employment

Do you have a question?

If you would like to learn more about how we can help you draw up terms of employment, please contact one of our specialists.

Frequently asked questions and answers

What does wage tax cover and when does it need to be withheld?

Wage tax is the tax you as an employer must withhold from your employees' wages. This includes not only the standard salary, but also variable remuneration such as bonuses, overtime payments, expense allowances and benefits in kind. In most cases, you pay the wage tax through the payroll taxes, together with social security contributions and the income-dependent healthcare insurance contributions.

The wage tax must be withheld and remitted to the Tax Authorities (Belastingdienst) at the moment the wages are paid. Errors in processing can cause additional taxes or penalties. It is therefore vital to keep your payroll records well-organised and up to date.

What does the work-related costs scheme (Dutch: WKR) involve and how do I avoid excess of the free allowance?

The work-related costs scheme (WKR) is a tax scheme that allows you to give untaxed allowances and benefits to your employees. For example a Christmas bonus, fitness subscription or a staff party. You can use a certain percentage of the total wage bill for tax purposes, the free allowance, for these types of untaxed benefits. If you, exceed this margin, you as an employer will need to pay 80 per cent final taxation on the excess.

To keep the WKR under control, a well-organised policy and clear administrative records are essential. If you want to learn how to tackle this effectively, please check out our article for insights and current updates.

What are the tax considerations for bonuses or variable remunerations?

Taxable wages cover bonuses and variable remunerations and must therefore be included in the wage tax. When you pay bonuses, you need to consider the right moment of allocation, the form of payment (e.g. in cash or shares), and the possible consequences for the WKR.

If you employ international employees, cross-border tax issues often come into play, such as tax treaties, withholding obligations in multiple countries and the impact on social security. In such cases, it is useful to work together with our specialists from Global Mobility Services, who ensure the appropriate tax and legal alignment in international situations. Proper documentation and timely reconciliation help avoid unexpected issues and set up your remuneration policy properly.