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Nalenta Blog
Clear explanations of the paperwork, taxes and decisions after a death in the Netherlands. Written by someone who did it himself, three times.
Cost of an inheritance tax filing in the Netherlands
Filing the inheritance tax return can be free, 99 euros, or via notary or tax adviser for 800 to 3,500 euros. Here is the honest comparison and when each choice is right.
5 min read
Inheriting without a will in the Netherlands
If the deceased left no will, the Netherlands automatically applies the statutory division (wettelijke verdeling) under Book 4 of the Civil Code. The spouse or registered partner receives all assets, the children get a monetary claim that only becomes payable on the partner's death. Here is the full mechanism, with numbers and pitfalls.
9 min read
Minor heirs in the Netherlands
A minor child who inherits gets extra protection under Book 1 of the Civil Code. Parents or guardian represent the child, but for important decisions the kantonrechter (subdistrict court judge) must approve. Here is the full practical guide: from beneficiary acceptance to the BEM account, from administration to tax effects.
8 min read
Paying inheritance tax in the Netherlands
How much you pay in inheritance tax is one thing; when and how you pay it, is another. The Belastingdienst first issues a provisional or final assessment, and from then you have six weeks to pay. Here is the complete process: methods, deferment, what to do if you cannot pay.
5 min read
Digital legacy in the Netherlands: how to handle it
A digital life does not disappear by itself after a death. Email, photos in the cloud, social media, subscriptions and sometimes crypto stay active until someone closes them or sets them to memorial mode. This guide explains which requests you can submit, which documents you need and which pitfalls to avoid.
11 min read
Filing via the Belastingdienst portal
The Belastingdienst offers an online filing form for inheritance tax in Mijn Belastingdienst. Log in with DigiD, fill in the data and submit.
4 min read
Cancelling subscriptions after a death in the Netherlands
After a death many contracts simply continue. Telecom, streaming, energy, newspapers, gym, fitness apps, sponsorships: together they quickly add up to hundreds of euros per month. This guide explains how to cancel efficiently, with which documents and what notice periods to expect.
10 min read
When heirs disagree
Disagreement between heirs is unfortunately common. Nalenta is not built for those situations: you need a notary, mediator or lawyer. Here are the routes.
4 min read
Inheritance with international elements
Did the deceased live in another country, or do you or the deceased hold assets abroad? You enter a world of international succession law and possible double taxation.
5 min read
Inheriting debts in the Netherlands
If you accept an inheritance purely and the debts turn out to exceed the assets, you are personally liable. Choose well and you are protected, but you must know the pitfalls.
4 min read
Inheritance tax for other heirs
Heirs who are not partner, child, grandchild or parent fall in group 2: the highest brackets in Dutch inheritance tax. This surprises many people inheriting from an aunt or friend.
3 min read
Inheritance tax for grandchildren
A grandchild has the same exemption as a child but the rate is almost double. This sometimes surprises grandparents who want to leave something to grandchildren.
3 min read
Deregistering a vehicle at the RDW after a death
A car, motorbike or moped stays in the deceased's name until you transfer it, suspend it or have it deregistered. Until that moment road tax keeps running and the third-party insurance stays mandatory. This guide explains which route fits your situation.
9 min read
Centraal Testamentenregister: checking for a will
Did the deceased make a will? Check the Centraal Testamentenregister. The first request is free and takes a few business days.
3 min read
First week after a death
The days after a death bring many questions and you must decide quickly. This checklist helps you proceed calmly and in order.
8 min read
Building a Dutch estate inventory
An estate inventory is an organised list of what the deceased owned and owed on the date of death. It is the basis for the inheritance tax filing and for distribution among heirs.
8 min read
ANW survivor benefit and survivor's pension after a death
If you have lost your partner, two important monthly payments may be on the table: the ANW from the SVB and the survivor's pension from the deceased's pension fund. The conditions are strict, so it is worth quickly assessing what you are entitled to.
11 min read
Extension for the Dutch inheritance tax filing
Eight months is usually enough, but a complex estate, a dispute or foreign assets can require more time. Here is how to request more.
3 min read
The family home in a Dutch estate
The family home is often the biggest single asset in an estate. The Belastingdienst uses the WOZ value, with special rules around the year of death.
4 min read
F-form: final income tax return for a deceased person
For a deceased person, one final income tax return usually still has to be filed: the F-form. It covers the part of the calendar year the person was alive. Many heirs do not know this is required and miss out on a refund or get a reminder later.
10 min read
Gift tax or inheritance tax in the Netherlands
Gifts and inheritances are both taxed by the Belastingdienst, but under slightly different rules. A well-planned gift schedule can save thousands of euros in inheritance tax.
4 min read
Life insurance and Dutch inheritance tax
A life insurance policy that pays out on death is a common asset. Civilly it sits outside the estate. Fiscally the story is different.
4 min read
Paying funeral costs from a frozen account
After a death Dutch banks usually block the account until there is clarity on the heirs. Yet the funeral invoice arrives within weeks. Banks have a fixed procedure for this: release for funeral costs.
5 min read
Renouncing a Dutch inheritance
If you want to inherit nothing at all, for instance because debts likely exceed assets, you can renounce. Here are the steps and consequences for your children.
5 min read
Beneficial acceptance: you inherit no more than is there
If you suspect the estate may have more debts than assets, or you simply do not know, beneficial acceptance lets you protect yourself from personal liability.
7 min read
Payment plan with the Belastingdienst for inheritance tax
Did you receive an inheritance tax assessment you cannot pay at once? This happens more often than people think, for example when a parental home dominates the estate. The Belastingdienst has a separate extension scheme for inheritance tax that helps avoid having to sell the home in a rush.
9 min read
How to unblock an ABN AMRO account
ABN AMRO has a specialised bereavement team in Amersfoort. One central point of contact for every step from reporting to payout.
4 min read
How to unblock a Rabobank account
Rabobank uses a Nazorgteam (aftercare team) for inheritances. The procedure runs partly through your local branch and partly centrally. Here are the practical steps.
4 min read
How to unblock an ING account
Once ING records a death, the deceased's accounts are blocked. This is a safety measure. Here is how you regain control of the account.
4 min read
When is a notary required for a Dutch inheritance?
Many people assume every inheritance automatically goes through a notary. That is not the case. For a straightforward estate, a notary is rarely legally required.
5 min read
Certificate of inheritance (verklaring van erfrecht) in the Netherlands
Banks, insurers and pension funds usually request a verklaring van erfrecht before releasing the deceased's accounts. What is it, when do you really need it, and what does it cost?
8 min read
Children exemption Dutch inheritance tax
A child has a 25,000 EUR exemption on inheritance from a parent in 2026. Above that, the child pays 10 % or 20 % depending on the amount.
4 min read
Partner exemption in Dutch inheritance tax
The surviving partner receives the largest exemption in Dutch inheritance tax. In 2026 it is around 800,000 EUR. Conditions apply, and the exemption can be reduced by survivor's pension.
4 min read
Dutch inheritance tax rates 2026
How much inheritance tax you pay depends on two things: your relationship to the deceased, and how much you inherit after your exemption. This guide gives you the full table and walks through a calculation.
9 min read
Dutch inheritance tax deadline: 8 months from the date of death
Eight months sounds like plenty, but in practice the deadline arrives quickly. What if you need more time, and what happens if you miss it?
5 min read
How to file Dutch inheritance tax yourself
If you have lost a parent, partner or other relative and you are an heir, you usually need to file an inheritance tax return with the Belastingdienst. For a simple estate this is something you can do without a notary. This guide walks through every step calmly.
12 min read