Through tax credits, medical-cost deductions and other items, many pensioners get money back, even if they only receive AOW or a pension. How much depends on your situation, so filing is often worthwhile.
When do you as a senior have to file a tax return?
You are required to file a tax return if the Belastingdienst (Dutch tax authority) sends you a tax return letter. But filing a tax return without a letter can also be beneficial. The Belastingdienst sends you a letter if they expect that you have to pay extra tax or get a refund.
Typical situations in which a tax return for seniors pays off:
- You receive a supplementary pension or annuity in addition to AOW
- You have healthcare costs that exceed the threshold
- You have savings or investments (box 3)
- You have made donations to a charity (ANBI)
- The elderly tax credit has not been (fully) settled in your payroll tax
Did you know? Even with only a state pension (AOW) and a pension, filing a return can get you money back, for example if the elderly tax credit was not fully applied or if you have healthcare costs. If you do not file, that money stays with the Belastingdienst (Dutch tax authority).
What do you declare as a senior?
As a retiree you declare the following income in box 1:
| Income source | Where to find |
|---|---|
| AOW payment | SVB annual statement |
| Supplementary pension | Pension fund annual statement |
| Annuity payment | Insurer annual statement |
| Part-time work or self-employment income | Employer annual statement / accounts |
| Savings & investments | Bank statement 1 January (box 3) |
| Owner-occupied home (WOZ value) | WOZ valuation (property tax assessment) municipality |
Deductions especially for seniors
These are the deductions that seniors are most often entitled to but know least about:
- Healthcare costs deduction: dentist, prescribed medicines, aids, transport to the doctor or hospital, diet costs. Deductible above an income-dependent threshold; at state pension age part of it counts 113% extra.
- Donations deduction, periodic donations to a charity (ANBI, e.g. church, museum, aid organisation) are fully deductible.
- Travel costs for hospital visits. Visits to a specialist or hospital are sometimes deductible as part of healthcare costs.
- Imputed rental value (eigenwoningforfait) minus mortgage interest deduction. Do you still have a (small) mortgage? Then this can work out favourably.
Tax credits for retirees
These are direct credits on your tax amount, much more valuable than a deduction:
| Tax credit | Amount 2026 | Condition |
|---|---|---|
| General tax credit | Max. €3,115 | Everyone (income-dependent) |
| Elderly tax credit | Max. €2,067 | AOW age reached, income < €46,002 |
| Single person elderly tax credit | €540 | AOW age + no tax partner |
* Amounts are indicative for 2026.
What do you need for the tax return?
- DigiD (or ask someone to log in for you)
- Annual statement(s) from SVB, pension fund, employer
- WOZ valuation (property tax assessment) from the municipality
- Bank statement or overview as of 1 January (for box 3)
- Receipts for healthcare costs you paid yourself (such as prescription medicines or aids)
- Possibly: donation receipts from charities (ANBI)
No DigiD? No problem. We can also submit the tax return via authorisation. Call or WhatsApp us about the options.
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You don't have to go to an office. We come to your home in Zaandam, Krommenie, Assendelft, Wormerveer and all other villages of Zaanstad. Fixed price €59, including check on all benefits.
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