How much should you set aside as a freelancer?
There is money in your account, but how much of it is really yours? Enter your monthly revenue and see what to keep aside for VAT and for income tax, and what is left after that.
Assumption: you pay 21% VAT on your business costs and reclaim it as input VAT.
Free to spend per month
€3,626
Of the €6,050 coming in, you keep €3,626.
Where your money goes
Set this aside
VAT per quarter€2,898
Tax per month (income tax + Zvw)€974
How this was calculated
| Revenue per month (excl. VAT) | €5,000 |
| Business costs (excl. VAT) | -€400 |
| Profit per month | €4,600 |
| Income tax and Zvw on €55,200 of annual profit | -€974 |
| Free to spend per month | €3,626 |
VAT sits outside this: it was never your money. You remit it every quarter, minus the input VAT on your costs. Effective rate on your profit: 21.2%.
This calculation is an indication based on the 2026 figures and does not take into account your personal situation, other income or deductions. No rights can be derived from it; it is not tax advice.
Frequently asked questions
How much money should you set aside as a freelancer?
The often-quoted rule of thumb is 30 to 40% of your profit, plus the VAT you keep aside. But at lower profits your real burden is often much lower thanks to the tax credits. Enter your revenue and see the exact amount instead of a rough estimate.
Should I set the VAT aside?
Yes. The 21% (or 9%) on your invoices is not income; you pay it to the Dutch Tax Administration every quarter. Set it aside as soon as it comes in and the return will never catch you short.
When do you pay tax as a freelancer?
VAT is paid every quarter. Income tax is paid after your return in spring, or spread out through a provisional assessment. Reserve monthly and neither will come as a surprise.
Does the 30 to 40% rule of thumb hold for everyone?
No. It is safe for average to high profits, but at a modest profit it makes you reserve far too much. This calculator uses the real 2026 brackets and tax credits, so you see what is actually needed.
Knowing what to set aside starts with knowing your numbers.
Finq tracks your revenue, costs and VAT per quarter, so you do not have to guess. Invoicing is free, forever.