Dutch BTW/VAT Calculator

VAT Details

You entered the amount WITHOUT VAT, and want to know the total including VAT.

Calculation Results

Please enter a valid amount to see results.

What This Calculator Does

This tool converts prices between VAT-exclusive and VAT-inclusive amounts using the correct Dutch BTW rates. It's designed for freelancers preparing invoices, business owners pricing products, or anyone who needs to quickly add or remove VAT from an amount.

Key inputs: the amount (either excluding or including VAT) and the applicable rate (21%, 9%, or 0%).

What's included: forward calculation (add VAT to a base price) and reverse calculation (remove VAT from a total price). The calculator uses the mathematically correct formulas: multiply by 1.21 to add 21% VAT, or divide by 1.21 to remove it.

What's excluded: cross-border VAT rules, reverse-charge mechanisms, or margin schemes. This is a simple price converter, not a VAT compliance tool.

Understanding Dutch BTW (VAT)

Whether you're a ZZP freelancer invoicing a client, or a consumer figuring out the base price of an item, calculating the correct BTW (Belasting over de Toegevoegde Waarde) is essential in the Netherlands.

The Math Behind BTW

The most common mistake people make is calculating the VAT backwards incorrectly. If an item costs €121 including VAT, the VAT is not 21% of €121 (€25.41).

The Correct Formulas:

  • Exclude to Include (Adding VAT): Base Amount × 1.21 = Total Amount
  • Include to Exclude (Removing VAT): Total Amount ÷ 1.21 = Base Amount
ZZP Tip: As a freelancer, always quote your prices to business clients excluding VAT. When invoicing, add the BTW on top. You will later pay this collected BTW back to the Belastingdienst during your quarterly Omzetbelasting (Sales Tax) declaration.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Dutch BTW (VAT) rates in 2026?

The Netherlands uses three main BTW rates: 21% (the general standard rate), 9% (the reduced rate for food, water, medicine, books, and certain repairs), and 0% (exemptions mainly for cross-border exports).

When should I charge 21% vs 9% BTW?

You should charge 21% on almost all general goods and services (e.g., consulting, software, electronics, marketing). You charge 9% for essential items like groceries, water, medical supplies, books, hair salons, and bicycle repairs.

How do I calculate a price excluding VAT from an inclusive price?

To find the price excluding VAT (if the rate is 21%), divide the inclusive price by 1.21. If the rate is 9%, divide by 1.09. Do not simply subtract 21% from the total amount, as this will give you an incorrect number.

Do I charge BTW to clients outside the Netherlands?

If you sell services to another business (B2B) within the EU, the VAT is shifted to them (0% on your invoice). If you sell to consumers (B2C) in the EU, you generally charge the VAT rate of the customer's country. For clients outside the EU, the BTW rate is typically 0%.

Disclaimer: The calculations provided by DutchExpatTax.com are for informational purposes only and do not constitute tax, legal, or financial advice. While we strive for accuracy using data from the Belastingdienst (Dutch Tax Authority), individual circumstances may vary. Always consult a qualified tax advisor for personalized advice. Last updated: March 2026.