Short answer: first check what kind of letter it is and which deadline it gives. If an assessment is wrong, you can object within 6 weeks. If you cannot pay on time, request a payment arrangement. And remember: the Belastingdienst never sends a payment link by email, text or WhatsApp.
Which letter did you receive?
| Letter | What it means | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Voorlopige aanslag (provisional assessment) | An advance estimate, often paid in monthly instalments | Check the estimate; have it adjusted if your income is different |
| Definitieve aanslag (final assessment) | The outcome of your return | Check and pay on time, or object |
| Naheffingsaanslag (additional assessment) | You filed late or not at all, or paid too little; the amount is estimated | File and pay, or object |
| Betalingsherinnering (reminder) | You did not pay on time | Pay within 10 days, at no extra cost |
| Aanmaning (formal demand for payment) | You did not pay after the reminder either | Pay immediately; extra costs are added (€10 or €22) |
Objecting
If you disagree with an assessment, object within 6 weeks of the date on the assessment. Include the date, your name and address, the assessment number, why you disagree, and your signature. You can do this online, with a form or by letter.
Too late? You can still request an ex officio reduction (ambtshalve vermindering).
Unable to pay on time?
Businesses can request a payment arrangement with a form, usually for at most 12 months. Apply before the deadline passes and make sure your returns are up to date. We help you with the request and a realistic overview of your finances.
Is the letter or message genuine?
- The Belastingdienst never sends payment links by email, text or WhatsApp.
- Check messages in Mijn Belastingdienst (Zakelijk).
- Since 1 May 2026 the Belastingdienst uses bank account numbers (IBANs) starting with NL04 RABO.
- Not sure? Send us a photo of the letter first.
We explain it in your language
Send a photo or scan via WhatsApp, Telegram or Viber. We explain what it says and what you need to do, in English, Dutch, Ukrainian, Russian or Serbian.
Sources
This article gives general information and is not personal advice. Rules and amounts change; to find out what applies to your situation, get in touch with us.