Box 3 from 2028: this will change

In 2028, the taxation of Box 3 will change. Currently, a deemed (fictitious) return is used for savings, investments, and other forms of assets. In the future, the Dutch Tax Authority will look at what you actually earn from your money. This will affect savers, investors, and people who own real estate.

The government wants to make the system fairer by taxing the actual return. The new system is scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2028. You will file the tax return for that year in 2029.

Actual return

From 2028 onward, the actual return will count. This includes direct income such as interest, dividends, and rental income, but also increases in the value of your investments or real estate. Even if you have not yet sold the asset, this increase will be taken into account.

However, if you own, for example, a second home or unlisted shares that you do not sell, you will only pay tax on them at the time of sale.

More changes

There are several other important changes. Losses in Box 3 can be offset without time limit against future gains, as long as they exceed €500 per year. You will not pay tax on the first €1,800 of return. The tax rate remains 36%, and your primary residence will remain in Box 1.

The bill was approved by the House of Representatives on February 12. If the Senate also approves it, the law will become final.