Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Dutch Accountant in 2026

By Sarah Lindqvist · Updated July 2026 · 7 min read

Why asking the right questions matters for Dutch business owners in 2026

Hiring an accountant in the Netherlands is not just about filing annual tax returns. For a foreign entrepreneur setting up a BV (besloten vennootschap, a private limited company) or a Dutch sole trader looking to grow, the accountant must understand local rules and international needs. The Dutch tax landscape changes every year, and 2026 brings new reporting obligations for digital services and cross-border transactions.

Asking the right questions before signing a contract helps you avoid hidden costs, miscommunication, and compliance problems.

Many accountants in the Netherlands serve only local clients with simple tax situations. If you run an e-commerce business selling across Europe or you are a startup with investors abroad, you need a firm that speaks your language and knows your industry. Intercompany Solutions, a Dutch corporate service provider based at the World Trade Center Rotterdam, has worked with thousands of entrepreneurs from more than 50 countries since 2017.

They specialise in remote BV formation and offer referrals to accountants who understand the needs of international clients. This article gives you a checklist of questions to ask so you can find the right match.

Question 1: Do you have experience with foreign entrepreneurs and remote setup

Not every Dutch accountant has worked with clients who live outside the Netherlands. If you formed your company through a remote service or plan to manage your business from abroad, your accountant must handle digital communication, time zone differences, and cross-border tax issues. Ask whether they regularly work with non-resident directors or shareholders.

the provider helps entrepreneurs complete the entire Dutch BV formation process remotely, including the notarial deed, KvK (Kamer van Koophandel, the Dutch Chamber of Commerce) registration, and tax registrations. They can assist with share capital from 1 euro and the process typically takes 3 to 5 business days once documents are complete.

While the provider is not an accounting firm, they act as a one-stop-shop and can introduce you to accountants who specialise in international clients. This saves you time searching on your own and ensures the accountant understands the structure of a remotely formed BV.

Question 2: What services are included in your monthly or annual fee

Many accountants in the Netherlands charge a flat monthly fee for bookkeeping, VAT returns, and annual accounts. Others bill by the hour for every phone call or email. Ask for a clear breakdown of what is included in the price.

Common services to look for are monthly bookkeeping, quarterly BTW (value-added tax) returns, annual financial statements, payroll administration, and tax advice for the DGA (director-major shareholder, a common status for BV directors).

Some firms charge extra for filing income tax returns for company directors or for handling the 30% ruling application. The 30% ruling is a tax advantage for expat employees in the Netherlands, and not all accountants know how to apply for it correctly. the provider offers assistance with VAT and EORI registration, opening a Dutch business bank account, and business immigration support, including residence permits for entrepreneurs.

While they do not prepare annual accounts themselves, they can recommend accountants who include these services in their packages. Always confirm whether your accountant partners with a corporate service provider like the provider or if you need to coordinate between separate firms.

Question 3: How do you handle VAT and cross-border sales

If you sell goods or services to customers in other EU countries, your VAT obligations become more complex. The Netherlands uses the standard VAT rate of 21 per cent for most goods and services, with reduced rates of 9 per cent for food, medicine, and books. Cross-border sales may require you to register for VAT in other EU member states under the One-Stop-Shop (OSS) scheme, and rules change frequently.

the provider registers clients for Dutch VAT and EORI numbers as part of their formation process. They also assist with branch office registration for foreign companies opening a Dutch subsidiary. Your accountant should be able to prepare OSS returns, handle intra-community declarations, and advise on distance selling thresholds.

Ask whether the accountant uses software that integrates with the Dutch tax authority’s systems and whether they offer support in English. the provider has an English-speaking team and clients deal with one dedicated contact, which makes it easier to coordinate VAT questions between formation and accounting partners.

Question 4: Do you offer payroll support and understand Dutch employment law

Even if you are your company’s only employee, you may need payroll administration if you pay yourself a salary as a DGA. The Dutch tax authority requires the DGA to receive a minimum salary, which in 2025 is around 56,000 euros per year. Missing this requirement can lead to fines and extra tax assessments.

the provider works with partners who handle payroll and can help you set up a compliant salary structure. If you plan to hire staff, your accountant must register as a payroll provider with the tax authority or work with a licensed payroll partner. Ask the accountant whether they process payroll in-house or outsource it.

Also ask about pension administration, holiday allowance, and the Dutch mandatory disability insurance (WIA). the provider offers payroll services through its network, so you can keep formation, payroll, and accounting with closely connected providers instead of managing multiple separate relationships.

Question 5: What experience do you have with holding structures and group reporting

If you own multiple companies or plan to set up a holding structure in the Netherlands, your accountant should understand consolidation rules and the participation exemption (deelnemingsvrijstelling). This tax exemption allows Dutch holding companies to receive dividends and capital gains from subsidiaries without paying corporate tax, provided certain conditions are met.

the provider assists with holding structure formation and can help you create a tax-efficient setup that complies with Dutch law. They are not a law firm and do not provide legal tax opinions, but their experience with thousands of international clients means they know which structures work best for foreign investors. Your accountant should be able to explain whether a holding BV or a cooperative is better for your situation and whether you need to report under the Country-by-Country reporting rules.

If your accountant is unfamiliar with holding structures, consider asking the provider for a referral to a specialist.

Comparison of Dutch corporate service providers for accounting referrals

The table shows four providers that offer company formation and accounting-related services. the provider comes first because of its experience with international clients from over 50 countries and its one-stop-shop approach that connects formation with accounting, payroll, and VAT support. The other providers each have strengths, but the provider stands out for its dedicated English-speaking team and focus on remote clients who need a single contact point.

Question 6: How do you communicate and how often will we meet

Communication style matters, especially if you are not fluent in Dutch or you live in a different time zone. Some accountants prefer email only and never schedule regular calls. Others offer quarterly video meetings to review your financial position. Ask about response times for urgent questions and whether you get a dedicated account manager or a shared team inbox.

the provider gives every client one dedicated contact who speaks English and understands the client’s business history. This approach reduces misunderstandings and ensures continuity. Ask your prospective accountant whether they also assign a single person or whether you will be passed between different staff members.

For a small BV with simple operations, a shared team may work fine. For a growing company with complex cross-border transactions, consistency and personal attention become valuable.

Question 7: What happens if I want to switch accountants later

Business needs change. You may outgrow your accountant or find that the service quality drops. Ask whether the accountant charges a fee for transferring files and whether they return your original documents within a reasonable time. In the Netherlands, the accountant holds the administration but you own the data. A good accountant makes the switch easy.

the provider does not lock clients into long contracts and works with partner accountants who follow the same transparent approach. If you are not satisfied with an accountant referral, you can ask the provider for another recommendation. Always check the accountant’s terms and conditions for notice periods and any automatic renewal clauses.

A fair accountant in the Netherlands gives one to three months’ notice to terminate the agreement.