Mel Tan

Thanks so much, guys! Very helpful. Let me summarize the different points: 1. There seems to be a distinction between an individual income tax identity (the "imkomsten uit overig werk") and the VAT tax identity as pointed out by Maxn and also by the Belastingdienst. Their site doesn't explain the difference between the two. This two-filing / identity dilemma was also raised by TwaBla: 1. If I can just file ordinarily under "inkomsten uit overige werkzaamheden" does that mean I don't have to register as a ZZP? Will I be classified like a temporary casual work (i.e. like an Albert Heijn worker) assuming that company is in NL but MIGHT also cover unpredictable overseas work? Can I can just simply file ordinary income taxes and as Joost mentions, and I can also deduct expenses from doing the job e.g. equipment and software? 2. However, if I use the category "inkomsten...." will I have to register as a ZZPér? The Belastingdienst doesn't seem to list project work as examples of internet work and therefore difficult to assess if it is freelance or irregular employment. I hope to hear your thoughts on this two-identity problem.

Dear TwaBla, I am so happy that you see me as becoming integrated! I didn't know that complaining is a Dutch thing :p Thanks so much for this referral, although they are mostly for Central and Eastern European migrants, I am pretty sure that they know someone who can help with this! They seem welcoming to all sorts of migrants!

Dear MAXN, Thanks for a clear explanation of the subtle differences on submitting a VAT. Can you explain further about the requirement for a quarterly ICP return, in addition to the VAT return (even though assuming that no VAT has been charged for this example). My question then: Can you file the said ICP returns and VAT documents as an individual or you must register as a ZZP'er? I now found out that the said virtual design agency has set up a business here in the NL so I most likely have to charge VAT but I want to do it as an individual if that is even possible!

Dear TwaBla, Thanks for your vote of support! I am currently transitioning into a different career and have been busy creating work portfolio. However, I am no longer a student (graduated already) and just interviewing. The freelancing work was just a side option until I find a more permanent position. This is why I am not so convinced about setting up a KVK and just filing as an individual. I read up on the bijverdienste (Student entrepreneurs and student finance | Business.gov.nl) but it only refers to actual students still enrolled in school. So I think that this might not be my category? I could be wrong. I believe with this virtual design agency, they are the direct employers and not a middleman. It leaves the burden on me to file taxes, etc. Good suggestion! I will look further in the Hague for groups that help migrants with tax issues! Very helpful since the gemeente there addresses more foreigners than let's say Delft or Rotterdam.

Hi Prinsrachid, I know!!! I got surprised because not one thing on their website indicated that the UI/UX designers and researchers that they hire are all freelance. I only found out during the first call that they are virtual. The job description did not not even indicate that they work remotely or that they require freelancers! That said, their projects remain intriguing. I hope that I get a project with them!

Dear Maxn, Thank you for your quick replies! Very helpful. Basically, my task is to do user research (i.e. interview, analyse etc.). I am confused because a colleague who does the similar same thing and is a ZZP'er includes a VAT for every invoice that she issues (both for EU and larger non-EU projects). That really makes me confused or if she simply means income tax but not VAT. I did think about this and I would like to do so but what puts me off is that I might be spending more money paying an accountant to file taxes quarterly compared to what I am actually bringing in. I really wish that the Dutch tax process is simpler, transparent, and more streamlined! I was hoping to avoid this but you might be right because another friend who is Dutch native always gets his tax returns wrong and either gets penalized or receives refunds!

Dear Experts, I am new to freelancing as I just finished graduate school here in the NL. I am still looking for regular employment so I do not want to register as a ZZP'er fulltime. In the meantime, there are freelance opportunities I have come across: My situation: I have potential freelance work with a virtual design company (incorporated in Texas, USA) and they bill by the hour or per day basis. Their employees are all freelancers. The work is unpredictable, maybe they will only give me one or two projects and we stop. My questions are: Can I file taxes as normal for any contract I win without registering as a business or ZZP'er? Can I charge them VAT but without a KVK registration? If I don't register as a business, can I remit the collected VAT to the Belastingdienst anyway when I pay regular taxes as an individual? Or should I not charge VAT if that is the case and just pay income tax as an individual? A friend of mine says that a ZZP'er requires 2 - 3 different customers to qualify as a real ZZP'er. If I only have 1 client I work with, is that sufficient reason to register as a ZZP'er? Is there a tax course or primer done by the Immigration office or the local gemeente? Can you refer me to one to teach me how to file taxes online? Thank you!