How ZZP Tax Works in the Netherlands
As a ZZP freelancer (eenmanszaak or sole proprietor), your business profit is treated as personal income in Box 1. Unlike employed workers, you can reduce your taxable profit using entrepreneur deductions before applying Box 1 income tax rates.
The Calculation Flow
Revenue − Business Costs = Accounting Profit
− Zelfstandigenaftrek (if ≥1.225 hrs) = €1.200
− Startersaftrek (if eligible) = €2.123
− Other Box 1 deductions
= Profit after entrepreneur deductions
× MKB winstvrijstelling reduction (12,70%)
− Pension contribution (if entered)
= Taxable Income (cannot go below zero)
Apply Box 1 tax brackets → gross tax
− Algemene heffingskorting
− Arbeidskorting
= Income Tax Due
+ Zvw contribution (4,85% of profit, max €79.409)
= Total Tax & Contributions
Net Income = Profit − Income Tax − Zvw
Note: net income is calculated on accounting profit (revenue minus costs) minus total tax and Zvw, not on taxable income.
The Urencriterium
You must spend at least 1.225 hours per year on your business to qualify for the zelfstandigenaftrek and startersaftrek. These hours include all business activities — not just billable client hours. If you are also employed, additional rules apply regarding the majority-time test.
MKB Winstvrijstelling
The MKB winstvrijstelling always applies to ZZP freelancers — you do not need to meet the urencriterium for this. It reduces your taxable profit by 12,70% of the profit remaining after entrepreneur deductions. This is one of the most significant automatic tax advantages of operating as a ZZP.
Illustrative Net Income by Revenue Level — 2026
Based on the 2026 tax engine in this calculator, assuming ≥1.225 hours, standard entrepreneur deductions, no pension contribution, and costs at 15% of revenue.
| Gross Revenue | Costs (15%) | Taxable Income | Est. Net Income | Keep % |
| €40.000 | €6.000 | €25.800 | approx. €29.000 | ~72% |
| €60.000 | €9.000 | €41.700 | approx. €41.000 | ~68% |
| €80.000 | €12.000 | €56.900 | approx. €52.500 | ~66% |
| €100.000 | €15.000 | €72.000 | approx. €63.000 | ~63% |
| €150.000 | €22.500 | €109.800 | approx. €89.000 | ~59% |
These are broad illustrations. Use the calculator above for your specific figures.
Frequently Asked Questions
What counts as ZZP taxable profit?+
Your taxable profit starts with gross revenue minus deductible business costs. From that accounting profit you subtract entrepreneur deductions (zelfstandigenaftrek, startersaftrek) if you meet the hours criterion. Then the MKB winstvrijstelling reduces the remaining profit by 12,70%. Any pension contribution or other Box 1 deductions reduce the taxable base further. The result is your taxable income for Box 1.
What is the urencriterium and why does 1.225 hours matter?+
The urencriterium (hours criterion) requires you to spend at least 1.225 hours per year on your business to qualify for the zelfstandigenaftrek and startersaftrek. All business hours count — including administration, marketing, and client acquisition — not just billable hours. If you do not meet the threshold, these two deductions do not apply, though the MKB winstvrijstelling still does.
What is the zelfstandigenaftrek in 2026?+
The zelfstandigenaftrek in 2026 is €1.200. This is a fixed deduction from your accounting profit, reducing taxable income. It was €2.470 in 2025 and will drop further to €900 in 2027. The Dutch government has been phasing it down annually since 2023. You must meet the urencriterium (at least 1.225 hours) to claim it.
What is the MKB winstvrijstelling?+
The MKB winstvrijstelling (SME profit exemption) lets you deduct 12,70% of your profit after entrepreneur deductions from your taxable income. Unlike the zelfstandigenaftrek, you do not need to meet the urencriterium for this exemption — it automatically applies to all ZZP freelancers and sole proprietors. It is one of the most valuable structural tax advantages of operating as a ZZP rather than as an employee.
What is the KOR and when does it matter?+
The KOR (Kleineondernemersregeling) is the small business VAT scheme. If your annual revenue is below €20.000, you can apply to be exempt from charging VAT to clients and from filing VAT returns. This calculator models income tax only — not VAT treatment. The KOR affects your invoicing and VAT administration but does not directly change your income tax calculation. Consult a bookkeeper if you are near the €20.000 threshold.