A Jaaropgaaf (also known as jaaropgave) is one of the most important tax forms in the Netherlands. This annual certificate from your employer shows your salary, withheld tax, social security contributions, and other details required to file a tax return correctly.
If you want a tax refund — especially for the 2020 tax year, which you can still submit in 2025 – the Jaaropgaaf is essential. It helps the tax office determine how much tax you paid and whether you’re eligible for a refund.
Main elements of the Jaaropgaaf for your Dutch tax return
A Jaaropgaaf typically includes:
- Annual income: Your total income before tax. This includes base salary, bonuses, and other payments from employment.
- Withheld tax: The amount of income tax your employer was required to withhold during the year. This is the key element used in the tax refund calculation.
- Social security contributions: Payments made for medical insurance and pension.
- Tax deductions and allowances: If any tax deductions or Dutch tax credits applied to you, they appear on the document.
All of this helps determine whether you paid too much and whether you have overpaid taxes that can be refunded.
When and why you need the Jaaropgaaf in the Netherlands
The Jaaropgaaf is issued at the start of every year—usually in January or February. You need it for several situations:
To file a tax return
If you want to file a tax return for the 2020 or 2021 tax year, this document is mandatory. The Netherlands allows submitting older tax returns, and many workers abroad still haven’t filed theirs. You can still submit a 2020 income tax return in 2025.
To apply for Dutch allowances
Benefits like zorgtoeslag or housing allowances may depend on your annual income, so the Jaaropgaaf is required when you apply.
For financial planning
Reviewing your Jaaropgaaf helps you see how much tax you paid and whether you need to adjust anything for the next tax year.
Where to get your Jaaropgaaf
Most workers receive the document automatically, but if you don’t have it, here are the options:
1. Employer
Your employer is required to issue this certificate every year. If you didn’t receive it, you can request it from the HR or payroll department.
2. Online payroll systems
Many Dutch companies use platforms where workers can download their Jaaropgaaf digitally using their BSN number.
3. Tax office (Belastingdienst)
If your employer is unavailable, you can contact the tax office (Belastingdienst). They may provide some data, but the employer is still responsible for issuing the Jaaropgaaf.
Important details when filing a tax return in the Netherlands
Lost Jaaropgaaf
If you lose your document, you can request a duplicate from your employer or payroll department.
Several employers
If you worked for more than one employer during the year, you will need a Jaaropgaaf from each employer to correctly file a tax return.
Self-employed workers
Freelancers in the Netherlands do not receive Jaaropgaaf, but they still must handle their income tax return independently.
Filing a tax return for older years (including 2020)
Many people working abroad, especially temporary workers, did not submit their tax return on time. But the Netherlands still allows late filing:
- You can still file a tax return for 2020 in 2025.
- The deadline for many voluntary tax returns is flexible, but delays may cause you to lose your entitlement to a tax refund.
- If you lived abroad for more than 6 months or left the Netherlands after seasonal work, you may still be eligible for a refund.
If you had low income, part-time work, or short-term contracts, you might have paid too much income tax. Workers with foreign income, pension, or those who lived abroad, can also be eligible depending on the situation.
How to check your potential Dutch tax refund for free
If you want to know whether you can get a tax refund for 2020, 2021, or another tax year, you don’t need to guess.
You can contact TimeTax — and our specialists will calculate the approximate refund for free.
How it works:
- You send your Jaaropgaaf and basic information by email.
- We check whether you are eligible for a tax refund.
- We explain how much you may receive and what documents are required.
📩 Write to us: office@timetax.pl
Conclusion
The Jaaropgaaf is essential for anyone planning to file a tax return or request a tax refund in the Netherlands. This document contains everything the tax office needs to correctly determine your amount of tax, review your annual income, and calculate whether you have overpaid taxes.
If you worked in the Netherlands and haven’t filed your tax return yet – especially for 2020 – you still have time in 2025. Don’t lose your refund.
The TimeTax app is available in English, Polish, Ukrainian, and Russian – and helps you prepare your documents quickly and correctly.
If you have questions, just email us — we’ll help you start your filing process easily and safely.
