Netherlands races to launch wealth-gain tax by 2028 as advisory deadline slips

Finance Minister Heinen pledged to have a wealth-gain tax operational by 2028, a key commitment to right-wing parties such as JA21 and the SGP. The cabinet forwarded the necessary legal amendment to the Council of State, which signaled that its advisory opinion will be issued only after the upcoming parliamentary debate, compressing the window for legislative action. Banks have reported insufficient time to modify their IT platforms to provide pre-filled client information for the 2028 tax filings, prompting worries about the tax authority’s ability to verify returns and the risk of fraud.

Treasury Secretary Eerenberg suggested banks could assist citizens in meeting the new requirements, a claim the Dutch Association of Banks disputes. The Tax Administration is also busy updating its systems for a mandatory disability insurance for self-employed workers slated for 2030, which could further delay both reforms. Meanwhile, the Senate faces pressure to scrutinise the overhaul carefully, with members from Pro and D66 urging the government to use the remaining time wisely.