Fictitious system

In the 2025 tax return your assets are in principle subject to the fictitious box 3 levy. Bank accounts are taxed at a low rate, while other assets are taxed at a higher rate. The assumed income is 1,37% on bank accounts and 5,88% on other assets. Additionally, debts are only taken into account with a negative return of 2,70%. The tax-free allowance of €57.684 per person is calculated at a weighted average rate. This fictitious return on your assets is then taxed at 36% in box 3.

Actual income

In 2024, the Supreme Court ruled that the above-mentioned fictitious return system does not sufficiently take into account the 2021 Supreme Court ruling and that the calculation should instead be based on the actual return earned on the assets. On this basis, a new taxation system has been developed that places greater emphasis on actual returns. This system can be opted for if it is more favourable than the fictitious system. However, since it also takes into account (unrealized) increases in assets, for example in stocks or the property value of homes as assessed for tax purposes (WOZ), this system is certainly not always more advantageous.

2025 Income Tax Return

As mentioned in the introduction, the 2025 tax return allows you to opt for box 3 taxation based on actual returns directly instead of the current fictitious system based. If you suspect that actual returns could be more advantageous for 2025, please provide us with the relevant data for the actual returns. Of particular importance for this are the overviews of investments, showing contributions and/or withdrawals, as well as dividends, and the rental income from real estate.

Below is a more detailed overview of the information required for the actual returns for each asset category:

• Bank and savings deposits: Here, the actual interest income you have received is considered. This requires an overview of all accounts and corresponding statements. If the account is in foreign currency, transactions during the year must be converted into euros in order to determine the foreign exchange result.
• Investments (shares, bonds, investment funds, etc.): Here, both dividend and other income and realized and unrealized capital gains (or losses) must be determined. This means that all purchases and sales of securities must be recorded, including transaction dates and values. If the account is in foreign currency, transactions during the year must be converted into euros in order to determine the foreign exchange result.
• Real estate (excluding your own home): For rented property we must calculate rental income as well as any (realized and unrealized) value changes. Specific valuation rules also apply here, such as the vacancy value ratio (leegwaarderatio) and WOZ-value (official property valuation). In case of changes during the year, such as purchase or sale, changes in value are calculated on a proportionate basis.
• Receivables and debts: Interest income or expenses must be recorded here, as well as any repayments or value changes. If foreign currency is involved, the foreign exchange result must also be determined.
• Other assets: This includes, for example, cash, crypto assets, or valuable possessions. Correct valuations and income must also be determined for these in accordance with the applicable regulations.

If you have any questions regarding the box 3-taxation based on actual return or the needed information in this regard, please do not hesitate to contact our office.

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Declaration of actual return (Opgaaf werkelijk rendement) 2021 – 2024

For the years 2021 to 2024, it is also possible to opt for box 3 taxation based on actual returns. If as of yet it has not been checked for these years, please let us know so that we can assess the possibilities. Further information may be required for this.