WBSO and Innovation Box

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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...

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Entrepreneurs who outsource financial administration reduce the number of administrative tasks and consequently have more time and space to focus on growth.
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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.
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Everyone – companies, entrepreneurs and individuals – has to deal with taxes. A complex system of payments and levies, tax regimes also offer opportunities for...

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National tax advice
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Topics

International Business Report

International Business Report

The International Business Report (IBR) is the world’s largest and most authoritative survey of mid-market businesses.

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Industries

Real estate & construction

The building and real estate sector is facing a lot of challenges. Improving sustainability, innovation, but also transformation are important themes. By...

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Family businesses

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,...

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Financial Services

The financial services sector is evolving rapidly, driven by increasing regulatory demands, technological advancements, and shifting client expectations.

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Transport & logistics

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...

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Innovation tax credit schemes that make a real difference

Innovation takes time and money. Fortunately, the government encourages entrepreneurship and innovation by providing tax schemes such as the WBSO and the Innovation Box. These allow you to reduce the costs of research and development significantly. Provided you apply the schemes correctly.

The WBSO reduces your labour costs, while the Innovation Box allows you to pay less tax on profits resulting from innovation. This leaves you more room to invest in the future. Without the proper guidance, you can easily miss out on these tax benefits, risk being refused, or be faced with additional taxes. The regulations are complex and are frequently subject to changes. For many business owners, it is challenging to demonstrate what does and does not fall under R&D.

We help entrepreneurs get the most out of these regulations. We analyse your projects, translate the technology into understandable terms for the RVO and the tax authorities, and ensure that your application is in order from a legal and fiscal standpoint. We combine knowledge of technology, tax legislation and your business model, so you can remain compliant and reap the rewards.

How do we help you?

We guide the entire process. Starting with the analysis and application process, financial reporting, and dealing with the tax authorities. We make sure that the relevant projects are incorporated into the process, the administration is in order, and that use of the Innovation Box is justified from a fiscal standpoint. We are experts in technology and taxation.

What do we offer?

Analysis and identification of R&D activities
Support in the WBSO application process
Negotiation and coordination with the tax authorities (innovation box)
Administrative guidance and setting up documentation
Strategic advice on combining schemes

How does it benefit you?

Less tax burden, more room to invest in innovation, and peace of mind knowing you are fully compliant with the necessary rules and regulations. We ensure your innovations are set up as effectively as possible for tax purposes, in the present and future.

Advantages

Tax benefits on R&D expenses
Lower tax on profits through the Innovation Box
Reduced risk thanks to correct processing and proper documentation
A single point of contact for technology and taxation
Save time and reduce administration

Do you have any questions for us?

Contact one of our specialists for more information about the services we provide.

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.

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Frequently asked questions and answers

What is the WBSO and how do I apply for it?

The WBSO (Research and development promotion act) is a tax credit scheme provided by the Dutch government. It is designed to encourage companies to invest in research and development. Through this scheme, you can get a reduction on payroll taxes for employees involved in R&D initiatives, reducing your labour costs and making innovation more financially appealing. The application process goes through the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO).

First, you determine which initiatives and activities are eligible for the scheme, and collect the necessary information. Then you submit your application digitally via the RVO eLoket (eDesk), with a clear description of the relevant R&D activities. After approval, you must keep accurate records of hours worked and costs incurred. A timely, complete application is important in order to make optimal use of this scheme.

What is the Innovation Box, and how does this scheme work?

The Innovation Box is a special tax scheme on corporate income tax that allows you to pay a reduced rate of 9 percent, instead of the standard rate of 25.8 percent, on profits that arise from innovation. This scheme is intended for companies that have produced their own intangible assets, such as (patented) product and process technology, software, and are in possession of a valid WBSO declaration. Only tax-paying companies are eligible for the scheme.

In order to apply the Innovation Box correctly, you must keep detailed financial records that clearly show the benefits arising from innovative activities and the associated costs. In practice, it is wise to consult with the tax authorities in advance to make clear agreements about how your business intends to apply the scheme in your specific situation.

What conditions apply to the WBSO scheme?

To use the WBSO scheme, your business must be based in the Netherlands and be liable for payroll or income tax. The scheme is intended for research and development work that is technically new for your organisation. The work must be aimed at developing new products, processes or software, or for the purpose of conducting technical-scientific research.

You must keep detailed records of the hours worked and the associated costs. In addition, it is essential that you submit the application to the RVO on time and describe the intended R&D activities in a clear and substantiated manner. Only then can you take full advantage of this scheme.