Household Tax Burden Decreased from 15 to 12 Percent Since 2011

In 2024, Dutch households pay less tax than in 2011. On average, families pay 12.3 percent of their gross salary on income tax and premiums for insurances, such as AOW (state pension), Anw (survivor’s benefit), and Wlz (Long-term Care Act). In 2011, this was still 15.4 percent.

This is according to the CBS (Statistics Netherlands). People who both work together, the dual earners, and pensioners pay the least. Households with two incomes often have a lower tax burden than people with one income, single parents, or people living alone.

For example: with an income of one hundred thousand to one hundred ten thousand euros, dual earners pay 11.9 percent in taxes and single earners 19.4 percent. Single earners pay on average 16.7 percent and dual earners 15.9 percent. People who live alone often pay the most.

Pensioners pay the least tax, on average 5.5 percent. That is because they no longer pay AOW premiums. Their average income is forty-four point six thousand euros.

People receiving social assistance get less: about twenty-five thousand euros. Employees earn on average one hundred one point three thousand euros. Self-employed individuals earn on average ninety-eight point six thousand euros and they pay the highest tax, 15.6 percent.

For the self-employed, the tax burden has increased since 2014 because they receive fewer deductions. In addition to regular taxes and premiums, people also pay other premiums, for example for illness, unemployment, and pension. In total, families spend an average of 32.3 percent of their income on taxes and premiums in 2024.

In 2011, this was still 35.2 percent.