Is a bookkeeper mandatory for freelancers (‘zzp’ers’)?

Is a bookkeeper mandatory for a freelancer (‘zzp’er’)?

Let’s directly answer the central question: no, a bookkeeper is not mandatory for a freelancer (‘zzp’er’). You are not legally obliged to engage a bookkeeper in the Netherlands.

But… you are obliged to have your administration in order according to the rules of the Belastingdienst (Dutch Tax Authorities). And therein lies the crux. Errors or backlogs in your bookkeeping can lead to fines or additional assessments. So: you are obliged to arrange it correctly, not to outsource it.

Doing your own bookkeeping: what does it involve?

You can certainly do your own bookkeeping as a freelancer (‘zzp’er’). However, you must keep track of the following:

• Invoices
• Receipts
• Hour registration (‘Urenregistratie’)
• VAT returns (‘Btw-aangiftes’)
• Income Tax return (‘Aangifte inkomstenbelasting’)
• And any other tax matters

All of this is certainly possible with the help of online tools, but you remain personally responsible for the correctness and completeness of your administration. The pitfalls are lurking: small errors in the VAT return, missing deadlines, or forgetting beneficial deductions (‘aftrekposten’). Doing your own bookkeeping is definitely possible, but only if you have sufficient knowledge, time, and discipline for it. It is your own responsibility to ensure everything is correct!

When is it smart to engage a bookkeeper?

Engaging a bookkeeper is not mandatory, but it can be very sensible in various situations. For example:

• Your turnover or client base is growing: The larger your company, the more complex the administration becomes. A bookkeeper can also advise whether it is beneficial to grow into a ‘BV’ (private limited company).
• You don’t have time or inclination for bookkeeping: Entrepreneurship is your passion, not poring over receipts and tax rules.
• You want to take advantage of all tax benefits: A good bookkeeper knows all the deductions and schemes, often allowing you to achieve more tax benefits.
• You want to avoid risk during audits: With a professional by your side, you can be sure that your administration meets the requirements of the Belastingdienst.

What are the advantages of a bookkeeper?

A bookkeeper offers various advantages that go beyond just filling out your tax returns:

• Time saving: You don’t have to deal with the administration, so you have more time for your business.
• Less stress: No more sleepless nights over deadlines or complex rules.
• Certainty that everything is correct: A professional eye prevents errors and surprises.
• Insight into your finances: You maintain an overview with our intuitive dashboards, so you know how your company is performing.
• Optimal use of tax advantages: A bookkeeper knows all the tax benefits and ensures you make maximum use of them.
• Personal contact: At Kees de Boekhouder, you have a personal bookkeeper who thinks along with you, instead of just a digital environment.

What does a bookkeeper cost approximately?

The costs for a bookkeeper vary in the Netherlands. The hourly rate of a self-employed bookkeeper is roughly between €40 – €80 per hour. These types of bookkeepers usually work on an hourly basis. Bookkeeping firms that primarily operate online generally charge an annual fee ranging from €600 – €1200. It varies per firm whether you pay monthly or annually. For a comprehensive analysis of bookkeeper costs, also read this blog!

Why choose Kees de Boekhouder?

Kees de Boekhouder works with a fixed, transparent annual fee. This amount is all-inclusive. This way, you never encounter surprises and know exactly what to expect. We help with VAT returns, Income Tax, interim checks, and you can ask us unlimited financial questions.

Kees de Boekhouder combines the best of two worlds:

• Personal bookkeeper: You have a fixed contact person who knows your business and thinks along with you.
• Everything online: You easily manage your administration via our convenient web app, wherever and whenever it suits you.
• Fixed low price: No surprises, but a clear, fixed annual fee.
• Focused on freelancers (‘zzp’ers’) and small businesses: We understand your specific needs and challenges.

Have you decided that you would like a bookkeeper to handle your bookkeeping? Then schedule a no-obligation introductory meeting. We are happy to take your worries off your hands, so you can do what you’re good at: entrepreneurship!