You may give your employees untaxed allowances, both in wages and in kind (such as a staff party or a Christmas package). This is arranged through the Work-related expenses scheme (WKR). To be untaxed these allowances must fit in the free space that the WKR allows. In this theme about the WKR, we take a closer look at the risks and opportunities of the WKR.
Services
You want your attention to be on growing and developing your company. You require (financial) advice about issues such as: whether to take care of your...
-
Financial administration & outsourcing
Entrepreneurs who outsource financial administration reduce the number of administrative tasks and consequently have more time and space to focus on growth.
-
Financial insight
We help you turn financial data into valuable insights that support you in making well-founded decisions. In-depth analyses of your financial situation will help give you a better idea of where you stand and where the opportunities for growth lie, both in the short and long term.
-
Financial compliance
We make sure your company complies with financial legislation and regulations, with correct financial statements, tax reports and other obligations. From our global network, we support you in managing local and international tax risks.
Everyone – companies, entrepreneurs and individuals – has to deal with taxes. A complex system of payments and levies, tax regimes also offer opportunities for...
-
Impact House by Grant Thornton
Building sustainability and social impact. That sounds good. But how do you go about it in the complex world of stakeholders, regulations and frameworks and changing demands from clients and society? How do you deal with important issues such as climate change and biodiversity loss?
-
Business risk services
Minimize risk, maximize predictability, and execution Good insights help you look further ahead and adapt faster. Whether you require outsourced or co-procured internal audit services and expertise to address a specific technology, cyber or regulatory challenge, we provide a turnkey and reliable solution.
-
Cyber risk services
What should I be doing first if my data has been kidnapped? Have I taken the right precautions for protecting my data or am I putting too much effort into just one of the risks? And how do I quickly detect intruders on my network? Good questions! We help you to answer these questions.
-
Deal advisory
What will the net proceeds be after the sale? How do I optimise the selling price of my business or the price of one of my business activities?
-
Forensic & integrity services
Do you require a fact finding investigation to help assess irregularities? Is it necessary to ascertain facts for litigation purposes?
-
Valuations
Independent and objective valuations tailored for mergers, acquisitions, and legal matters.
Reliability of information. The way in which reliable information is produced. That is what assurance is all about. It is crucial for information to be...
-
Auditing of annual accounts
You are answerable to others, such as shareholders and other stakeholders, with regard to your financial affairs. Financial information must therefore be reliable. What is more, you want to know how far you are progressing towards achieving your goals and what risks may apply.
-
IFRS services
Financial reporting in accordance with IFRS is a complex matter. Nowadays, an increasing number of international companies are becoming aware of the rules. But how do you apply them in practice?
-
ISAE & SOC Reporting
Our ISAE & SOC Reporting services provide independent and objective reports on the design, implementation and operational effectiveness of controls at service organizations.
Do you have an ambitious international company? And do you want to stay ahead of the competition? Then you need to be able to rely on the best international...
-
National tax advice
Looking for tax advice in the Netherlands? We help business owners with tailor-made tax advice: from structure and compliance to innovation and sustainability.
-
International tax advice
Plan to do business abroad? Our international tax advice helps you with structure and compliance, as well as offering new opportunities. Strategic, practical, and future-oriented.
-
Private wealth services
Our Private Wealth specialists offer strategic and practical solutions. From tax advice to estate planning and financial scenarios, we make sure you make the right choices today, for tomorrow.
Proactive and pragmatic: that's how we work. How do I ensure that the agreements between our shareholders are clearly established? What are my rights and...
-
Corporate Law
From the general terms and conditions to the legal strategy, these matters need to be watertight. This provides assurance, and therefore peace of mind and room for growth. We will be pro-active and pragmatic in thinking along with you. We always like to look ahead and go the extra mile.
-
Employment Law
What obligations do you have with an employee on sick leave? How do you go about a reorganisation? As an entrepreneur, you want clear answers and practical solutions to your employment law questions. At Grant Thornton, we are there for you with clear advice, from contracts and terms of employment to complex matters such as dismissal or reorganisation.
-
Sustainable legal
At Grant Thornton, we help companies integrate sustainability into their business operations, with sustainable legal at the heart of our approach. We advise on ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) legislation, and help draft sustainable contracts, implement HR policies, and carry out ESG due diligence in M&A transactions (Mergers and Acquisitions).
A strong HR policy is more than just an administrative item, as it drives a healthy and future-proof organisation.
-
HR Services
HR is not an aspect of secondary relevance, rather a strategic factor for success. Yet many organisations struggle with issues regarding personnel policy, absenteeism, terms of employment and legislation and regulations.
-
Payroll & wage tax
Payment of salaries is not a simple calculation. Laws and regulations constantly change, and mistakes can quickly cause employees to be dissatisfied or lead to tax risks.
-
Compensation and benefits
The labour market is changing rapidly. Employees want flexibility, a sense of purpose and a good mixture of financial and non-financial benefits.
-
Pension advisory services
Pension is more than an obligation. It is a strategic term of employment that touches upon your employer brand, financial scope and responsibility to provide for your employees.
-
Global mobility services
How can you build and evolve a smart global mobility strategy, with policies and processes addressing the complex challenges of managing an international workforce?
The International Business Report (IBR) is the world’s largest and most authoritative survey of mid-market businesses.
The building and real estate sector is facing a lot of challenges. Improving sustainability, innovation, but also transformation are important themes. By...
Family businesses occupy a unique position, in the Netherlands as well as worldwide. They are seen as a (stable) engine of the economy. This is characterized,...
The financial services sector is evolving rapidly, driven by increasing regulatory demands, technological advancements, and shifting client expectations.
The Netherlands is a real trading country, due to its location, infrastructure and the highly-educated population. The port of Rotterdam, the biggest port in...
A well-stuctured WKR means more flexibility, fewer risks and lower costs
The work-related costs scheme (WKR) allows employers to offer employees untaxed allowances and benefits in kind, such as a Christmas gift, staff party or a fitness subscription. In practice, however, the scheme turns out to be less straightforward than it seems. Without a properly organised system or policy, there is a high risk of exceeding the free allowance, resulting in a hefty final taxation of 80 per cent. Organisations also often lack knowledge of what is or is not covered by the scheme, or how to organise their administration and policy effectively.
With a well-thought-out plan, the WKR actually provides opportunities. With smart choices, well-organised processes and by using technology, the tax allowance can be used most effectively while avoiding unexpected problems. This increases your control of labour costs, allow you to provide more attractive terms of employment and ensure peace of mind in the implementation. We help you organise the WKR strategically and practically, tailored to your organisation, sector and objectives.
Work-Related Costs Scheme: WKR in 2025
In this whitepaper, we will explain the discretionary scope, what the WKR can mean for your employees, and for you as director-major shareholder. We will also discuss the WKR’s place in your organisation; you will read about common mistakes, receive tips, and you will hear from one of our clients. From her own experience, she will tell you about the benefits of a good WKR application.
How do we help you?
Our specialists will outline your entire WKR position. With our WKR checker, you can quickly find out where you stand, where the risks are and what benefits you are missing out on. We will then help you set up the scheme on a practical and strategical level, with due allowance for compliance and financial effectiveness. If needed, we can train your HR or payroll administration team, and provide support in drawing up policy or in automating processes.
What do we offer?
- You will know your WKR position and free allowance
- Analysis of risks and opportunities for greater effectiveness
- Organisation or review of your WKR policy
- Use of the WKR checker for continuous insights
- In-house training and master classes
How does this benefit you?
You will prevent excess use, make the most effective use of your tax allowance, and you will have control over your allowance policy. You will also strengthen your employer brand with smart terms and conditions that are tax-compliant. With our support, you will ensure that the WKR is no longer an annual surprise, but a structural advantage.
Benefits
- Clear organisation of the WKR: fewer risks, greater certainty
- Financial effectiveness: maximum use of the free allowance
- Structural insights through the WKR checker
- Practical support and strategic advice
- Clear communication towards HR and employees
Do you have a question?
If you would like to know how your organisation can make better use of the WKR, or if you would like a demo of the WKR checker, please do contact one of our specialists.
Why choose for Grant Thornton?
Grant Thornton Netherlands is a member of Grant Thornton International Ltd (GTIL), one of the world's largest networks (#7) of independent accounting and advisory firms, with 76,000 professionals in 156 markets. From eight Dutch offices, more than 700 professionals support our clients with advice and guidance in the fields of accountancy, tax, and (financial) advisory. We deliver world-class expertise in a way that seamlessly aligns with each client's unique situation. We operate from a solid foundation with a flexible and results-driven mindset.
Frequently asked questions and answers
Related articles
View more
Tax
Work-related expenses scheme (WKR)
|
6 min read
|
06 Jan 2025