Report a move to the tax authorities: move with peace of mind

Hey, are you moving? Congratulations on your new place! But wait a minute... have you already thought about reporting your move to the tax authorities? Don't worry, we at Moving.nl will help you through it. In this guide you will learn everything about reporting your change of address, so that you can enjoy your new home without any worries.

Why reporting your move to the Tax Authorities is very important

Imagine: you have just unpacked all the boxes in your new house, but then you miss an important letter from the Tax Authorities. Not that convenient, right? That is why it is crucial to report your move. Not only is it a legal obligation, but it also ensures that you do not miss an important item and that your tax affairs and benefits remain in order.

Here are five reasons why you shouldn't forget this:

1. You comply with your legal obligation
2. Your tax affairs are handled correctly
3. You will receive all important mail
4. Your benefits remain up to date
5. You avoid fines or additional taxes. Do I have to report my move to the tax authorities?

Yes absolutely! Whether you move to the other side of the street or to the other side of the world, you must report your new address to the tax authorities. It may sound like a hassle, but trust us, it will save you a lot of trouble in the future.

As our experienced tax advisor Jan de Vries always says: “Reporting your move to the tax authorities is not only an obligation, it is also a form of self-protection. You don't want the tax authorities to think that you still live in that student room, do you?"

Here are some situations in which you should definitely report your move:

• You are moving within the Netherlands (yes, even if it is only one street away!)
• You are going to emigrate (hello adventure abroad!)
• You are coming to the Netherlands (welcome!)
• You are going to live somewhere else temporarily (for example for study or work)
• You are getting divorced or living together (because that can also have consequences for your tax affairs)

Reporting a move to the Tax Authorities: this is necessary in these situations

Let's take a look at the different moving scenarios. Because not every move is the same, and the Tax Authorities would like to know that!

Moving within the Netherlands

Good news! If you move within the Netherlands, you only need to report your new address to your new municipality. They will then forward it to the Tax Authorities. But keep an eye on whether it went through correctly. After a week or so, it is best to check with the Tax Authorities whether they have received your new address.

Are you moving abroad (emigration)?

So, you're leaving the Netherlands? Exciting! But don't forget that the Tax and Customs Administration still wants to hear from you. You have to deregister with your municipality and fill out a special form (the M-form) for the Tax and Customs Administration. It's a bit like a 'goodbye' card, but with more numbers.

Moving from abroad to the Netherlands (immigration)

Welcome to the Netherlands! If you come to live here, you must first register with your new municipality. They will give you a BSN (Citizen Service Number). You can then use that number to register with the Tax Authorities. It's a bit like your integration into the Dutch tax system.

Temporary move

Are you going to live somewhere else temporarily? For example for study or work? The Tax Authorities would also like to know this. In this case you can provide a postal address. This way you can be sure that you don't miss any important letters while you are away.

Divorce or cohabitation

Love and taxes… they have more to do with each other than you think! If you divorce or live together, this may have consequences for your benefits. So even in these situations it is extra important to provide your new address.

When do you have to report your move?

Timing is everything, even when it comes to reporting your move. Here's a handy overview:

Situation	When to report?
Moving within the Netherlands	Within 5 working days after your move
Emigration	No later than 1 week before you leave
Immigration	Within 5 days of arrival in the Netherlands
Temporary move	As quickly as possible

Think of it as a kind of moving planner. You don't want the tax authorities to be the last to hear that you've moved, do you?

How do you report a change to the Tax Authorities?

Now that we know when you have to report your move, the next question is: how do you actually do that? Don't worry, we'll guide you through it step by step.

Submit online

In this digital age, reporting online is usually the fastest and easiest way. It's a bit like shopping online, but then you provide your address instead of your package.

Follow these steps:

1. Go to the Tax Authorities website
2. Log in with your DigiD (your digital identity, so to speak)
3. Click on 'My details'
4. Select 'Change address details'
5. Enter your new address details
6. Check everything again (you don't want to accidentally indicate that you're going to live in an igloo at the North Pole)
7. Click 'Confirm'

Voilà, you're done!

Report by telephone

Do you prefer personal contact? Then you can also call the Tax Line on 0800-0543. Make sure you have your BSN at hand. It's a bit like a telephone date with the tax authorities.

Report in writing

For the old school among us: you can also report your move by letter. Send a letter with your new address details to:

Tax Authorities PO Box 2599 6401 DB Heerlen

Don't forget to mention your BSN. It's like an old-fashioned postcard, but to the tax authorities.

How should I provide my postal address to the Tax Authorities?

Sometimes you want your mail to go to an address other than where you live. Maybe you are temporarily staying with your Aunt Truus, or you have an agent who handles your mail. No problem, that can be arranged!

This is how you provide a postal address:

1. Log in to the Tax Authorities website with your DigiD
2. Go to 'My details'
3. Select 'Change postal address'
4. Enter the desired postal address
5. Please indicate when this should take effect
6. Click 'Confirm'

Remember: a postal address is not the same as a residential address. Your home address is where you really live, your postal address is where you want to receive your mail. It's a bit like the difference between your house and your mailbox.

Change of address of Tax Authorities abroad

Are you moving abroad? Exciting! But don't forget that the Tax Authorities still want to hear from you. It has consequences for your tax liability in the Netherlands.

Our emigration advisor Lisa Jansen always says: “When emigrating, it is crucial to arrange your affairs properly with the Tax Authorities. It's like packing your suitcases: you don't want to forget anything!”

Here's what to do when you move abroad:

1. Complete the M form (you can find it on the Tax Authorities website)
2. Send the completed form to the Tax Authorities
3. Provide your new address abroad
4. Unsubscribe from any surcharges
5. Take into account possible tax obligations in your new country of residence

It may sound like a lot of work, but it will save you a lot of hassle in the future. You don't want the tax authorities to think that you still live in the Netherlands while you have been lying on a tropical beach for a long time, do you?

What happens after reporting your move?

After you have reported your move, the Tax Authorities will get to work. They usually update your information within 1 to 5 business days. You will not receive a separate confirmation of this, but you can check it yourself by logging in to the Tax Authorities' website.

It's a bit like waiting for the ink of your new address on your doorbell sign to dry. And just like with a real move, there are a few things that can change:

• Your allowances can be adjusted (such as your housing allowance or healthcare allowance)
• Your tax return for the current year may change
• From now on you will receive mail at your new address

Special situations when reporting a move

Sometimes moving is like a game of chess: there are special moves that deserve extra attention. Let's look at some of those special situations.

Moving abroad

When you emigrate, you come into contact with international tax rules. It's a bit like a tax world trip. You may encounter:

• Treaties to avoid double taxation (because paying taxes once is enough, right?)
• Settlement of accrued pension rights (your pension pot does not simply cross the border)
• Box 3 assets abroad (your savings also need a passport)

Moving from abroad to the Netherlands

Are you just coming to the Netherlands? Welcome! But even then there are a few things you should pay attention to:

• You must declare your foreign income (the tax authorities want to know what you earned before you had tasted a stroopwafel)
• You must report your foreign assets (your savings must also pass through customs)
• You can apply for benefits (welcome to the world of Dutch benefits!)

Divorce or cohabitation

Love and taxes go hand in hand. If you divorce or live together, this may have consequences for your benefits:

• Your right to housing benefit may change (because living together is cheaper than living alone)
• Your healthcare allowance can be adjusted (two know more than one, even when it comes to healthcare costs)
• Your child-related budget can change (because children are expensive, whether you live together or not)

Common mistakes when reporting a move

Even the best movers make mistakes sometimes. Here are the top 5 blunders you want to avoid:

1. Forgot to report (oops, did I forget?)
2. Reporting too late (better late than never, but on time is better)
3. Providing incorrect information (no, Fantasiestraat 123 is not a valid address)
4. Only report to the municipality, not to the Tax Authorities (when moving abroad)
5. Forgetting to report changes in personal situation (such as cohabitation or divorce)

It's a bit like a moving box: you want to make sure everything is in there and that the label is correct!

Consequences of not (correctly) reporting a move

Imagine: you have just moved into your dream house, but you forgot to report it to the tax authorities. What can happen? Well, here are a few possible scenarios:

• You get a fine (and you would rather have spent that money on a new bank)
• You miss out on benefits (because the tax authorities think you still live in your old house)
• You're missing important mail (and no, “the dog ate my tax return” is not a valid excuse)
• You receive incorrect tax assessments (because the Tax Authorities use old data)
• You have problems applying for official documents (because your address is incorrect)

It's a bit like a domino effect: one mistake can cause a whole series of problems. So let's prevent that!

Tips for a smooth process of your move and tax matters

To ensure that your move goes as smoothly as a well-oiled moving van, we have put together a handy checklist for you. Think of it as your personal moving coach:

• Report your move to the municipality (if you are moving within the Netherlands)
• Check after 5 working days whether the Tax Authorities have processed your new address
• Complete the M form if you are emigrating (think of your tax farewell party!)
• Keep all letters from the Tax Authorities (you never know when you will need them)
• Check whether your allowances are correct after your move (because every dime counts)
• Report changes in your personal situation (such as cohabitation or divorce)
• Take into account possible changes in your tax return for this year

With this checklist you will be better prepared than a boy scout at camp!

Move without worries with Moving.nl

At Moving.nl we understand that moving sometimes feels like climbing Mount Everest. That's why we're here to help you, not only with carrying boxes, but also with all that paperwork.

What do we do for you?

• We give you advice on how to correctly report your move to the Tax Authorities (so you can focus on furnishing your new home)
• We help you fill out those difficult forms (because we speak 'Tax Authorities' fluently)
• We support you with international moves and the associated tax matters (whether you are moving to Paris or Timbuktu)
• We give you a complete checklist for all administrative tasks surrounding your move (so you don't forget anything)

Think of us as your personal moving butler. We take care of everything, except unpacking your underwear. We leave that up to you!

Pass on frequently asked questions about tax authorities moving

We often receive questions about reporting a move to the Tax Authorities. Here are the answers to the most pressing issues:

And finally

So, we have come to the end of our journey through the world of removals and the tax authorities. We hope that you now know how important it is to report your move correctly and on time. It may seem like a small detail in the big moving adventure, but it can save you a lot of hassle.

Remember: good preparation is half the battle. Whether you're moving to the other side of town or the other side of the world, make sure the tax authorities know where to find you.

And don't forget, at Moving.nl we are always ready to help you. Whether you need help packing your belongings or filling out forms, we're here for you. Because we believe that moving is stressful enough without all that paperwork.

Request free moving quotes

So, are you ready to move? Request a free quote now from Moving.nl. We ensure that your move goes as smoothly as a slide in a water park. Because with us you are not just a customer, you are a VIP: a Very Important Packer!

Good luck with your move, and don't forget: new start, new address, new opportunities!