Reply to: Contract in Amsterdam

[LinuxHead]

With regard to the various Dutch regulations, I think it should be pointed out that, like Belgium, some of them have been deemed to be against EU law. Especially since quite a few appear to have been put in place from a protectionist (or at least bureacratic) stance.

Certainly the much put about idea that you can't use a UK Ltd, must be on a payroll and such like, and all you can hope for is some 'expat' rebate (geez this is the EU FFS) was overturned in a 2003 ECJ decision.

Unfortunately such things don't seem to get reported enough...

Depending on how long you're planning to work there, besides ITECs style options, one you might consider is simply registering your current Ltd there, or buying an off the shelf Ltd already registered in the Netherlands (complete with VAT number), then claim all the things the 'locals' can.

It might just be better than being an expat...

Hi Joe Black, can you shed any light on the 2003 ECJ decision as none of the accoutants I have spoken to seems to know anything about it!

Thanks in advance

[WindyAnna]

Just as a matter of interest - why?

Not that Mr WA will use them again as he is now through one of his client's partners rather than an umbrella but am just interested ... for future reference?

[DS23]

<bright light warning beacon>

do not, under any circumstances, under any circumstances, under any circumstances, use itecs.


<bright light warning beacon>

[Joe Black]

I'd get some professional advice on taking a contract in the Netherlands. but here is my personal info with the caveat that it may not be 100% correct ...

It isn't usually possible for you to work UK based ltd co with employers out there, there are all sorts of pieces of legislation to prevent you from doing it so usually contractors go via a Dutch 'umbrella'. You will have to pay the taxes you mention plus possibly some others generally it's higher than here and they tend to err on the side of taxing you too much and then work back from there. There is a 30% ex-pat tax allowance you can get but you have to apply, be supported by your client and it takes a while to come through. You also usually have to have a Dutch address and a Dutch bank account. Do not trust an agent (preaching to the converted I know) who tells you it is easy or straightforward!

Mr Windy Anna has been working over there for almost 2 years, his tax has been wrong for the majority of that time (in favour of SOFI not him) and he is hoping for a 10K euro rebate through any time now for tax year ending a year ago!! Another friend who was there for a couple of years finally got his tax rebate 4 years later!!

Be wary but it'll be fun once you get there!

Windy

With regard to the various Dutch regulations, I think it should be pointed out that, like Belgium, some of them have been deemed to be against EU law. Especially since quite a few appear to have been put in place from a protectionist (or at least bureacratic) stance.

Certainly the much put about idea that you can't use a UK Ltd, must be on a payroll and such like, and all you can hope for is some 'expat' rebate (geez this is the EU FFS) was overturned in a 2003 ECJ decision.

Unfortunately such things don't seem to get reported enough...

Depending on how long you're planning to work there, besides ITECs style options, one you might consider is simply registering your current Ltd there, or buying an off the shelf Ltd already registered in the Netherlands (complete with VAT number), then claim all the things the 'locals' can.

It might just be better than being an expat...

[WindyAnna]

I worked through Itecs.ie having had a bad time with another payroll company and a nightmare setting up a company through an accountant.

Mr Windy Anna also worked through ITECs for a while (changed due to client changing their PSL rather than there being a problem) they seem to know what they are talking about.

[jenever]

I worked through Itecs.ie having had a bad time with another payroll company and a nightmare setting up a company through an accountant.

[Moscow Mule]

I worked for a couple of months - but came home at weekends so there was no "footprint" to the local tax system. I was contracted through my limited to a UK agency so I didn't worry about it.

I may well become exiled from Holland should the end-client try to claim back the VAT (or something).

YMMV

[DS23]

I'd get some professional advice on taking a contract in the Netherlands. but here is my personal info with the caveat that it may not be 100% correct ...
Windy

seriously though, windy anna offers good advice.

i'd add that it is almost always necessary to go through an msc of some sort. the tax rebate system is a freaking nightmare. i am still paying up for 05 and have not had my due rebate from 04. you definitely need a good umbrella and a good accountant. without those you are likely to be right royally shafted. the 30% rule is good but it is either that or expenses - you are not allowed both. so do some calculations to decide or get a massive rate that does not mention expenses and then be frugal. put some aside as just-in-case-tax-bill.

[DS23]

Looks like the mods got you then

no, no, it really is the golden t u l i p. kinda suitable for a cuk adventure abroad don't you think? and unless we can find a hotel somewhere called the posted norks...

[WindyAnna]

When I worked there I didn't have to worry about a thing. As I'm resident in Germany, they have a reciprocal tax agreement so I just had to prove that I paid taxes in Germany.

There is a reciprocal tax agreement with the UK as well but for some reason all the other legislation seems to make it unworkable.

[To BI or not to BI?]

which reminds me. after the xmas do when we decide to up the ante and have a real cuk spring holiday we should make sure that we all stay in a golden tulip hotel.

Looks like the mods got you then

[DS23]

which reminds me. after the xmas do when we decide to up the ante and have a real cuk spring holiday we should make sure that we all stay in a golden tulip hotel.

[darmstadt]

When I worked there I didn't have to worry about a thing. As I'm resident in Germany, they have a reciprocal tax agreement so I just had to prove that I paid taxes in Germany. Worked out nicely (except for the really tulip hotel I was in originally!!!)

[WindyAnna]

I'd get some professional advice on taking a contract in the Netherlands. but here is my personal info with the caveat that it may not be 100% correct ...

It isn't usually possible for you to work UK based ltd co with employers out there, there are all sorts of pieces of legislation to prevent you from doing it so usually contractors go via a Dutch 'umbrella'. You will have to pay the taxes you mention plus possibly some others generally it's higher than here and they tend to err on the side of taxing you too much and then work back from there. There is a 30% ex-pat tax allowance you can get but you have to apply, be supported by your client and it takes a while to come through. You also usually have to have a Dutch address and a Dutch bank account. Do not trust an agent (preaching to the converted I know) who tells you it is easy or straightforward!

Mr Windy Anna has been working over there for almost 2 years, his tax has been wrong for the majority of that time (in favour of SOFI not him) and he is hoping for a 10K euro rebate through any time now for tax year ending a year ago!! Another friend who was there for a couple of years finally got his tax rebate 4 years later!!

Be wary but it'll be fun once you get there!

Windy

[TheFaQQer]

I think there is something about working in Amsterdam under the Overseas Guides (link on the right).