Yes, spouses can file a joint tax return and get a possible higher refund.

The deadline for filing the tax return is 1st of May for the previous calendar year. The deadline for filing the tax return for the year 2023 is 1st of May, 2024.

You can apply for a Netherlands tax refund up to 5 years back.

In the year 2024 you can file the tax return / claim your tax refund for the year 2019 at the latest.

Netherlands tax refund deadlines for previous years:

• tax return for the year 2019 - till the 31st of December, 2024
• tax return for the year 2020 - till the 31st of December, 2025
• tax return for the year 2021 - till the 31st of December, 2026
• tax return for the year 2022 - till the 31st of December, 2027
• tax return for the year 2023 - till the 31st of December, 2028

If you do not file your tax return by the deadline, the tax office will send you a reminder asking you to file it. If your tax return is not filed after the first reminder, you will receive a second reminder.

If you file your tax return after the second reminder, the tax office will fine you €385. A fine may also be imposed for incorrect or incomplete tax returns.

Repeated late filing can result in a fine of up to €5,514 and can also result in the suspension of your benefits. You will also be subject to automatic taxation based on an estimate of your income.

You will need the following documents to file your tax return:

• a taxable income certificate (Jaaropgaaf / Jaaropgaave) from each employer,
• other forms if you have other sources of income than employment (pension, unemployment benefits, royalties, etc.),
• an EEA document proving local income from your home country,
• ID card / passport,
• other documents proving entitlement to tax credits (child's birth certificate...).

The Jaaropgaaf / Jaaropgaave is a form that every employer must give to their employees at the end of the year. It is a certificate of the employee's annual income and the taxes withheld from each month's wages for the previous calendar year.

The EU / EEA form has a unique barcode that the Netherlands tax office enters into the system. Scan forms often have an illegible barcode and cannot be entered into the system. We therefore need the original document.

After filing your tax return, the tax office will send you a tax assessment stating the amount of tax and the due date.