VAT checker Country guides Invoice generator Reverse VAT VAT validator Deadlines
Updated June 2026

The KOR Scheme in the Netherlands Explained

Opt out of charging BTW entirely if your turnover stays under €20,000 — but there’s a minimum 3-year commitment once you opt in.

Last updated: June 2026

Threshold
€20,000
annual turnover, calculated per calendar year
Minimum commitment
3 years
once opted in, generally cannot opt out sooner
What you give up
Right to reclaim BTW
on business purchases

How KOR works

The Kleineondernemersregeling lets businesses (sole traders, partnerships, and certain legal entities) with annual turnover under €20,000 opt out of charging BTW on their sales entirely. Once opted in, you don’t add BTW to your invoices, don’t file BTW returns, and — critically — cannot reclaim BTW on your business purchases either.

The 3-year minimum commitment

This is a meaningful, semi-permanent decision. Once you opt into KOR, you’re generally committed to it for at least 3 years before you can opt back out and return to charging standard BTW, even if your circumstances change. Model your expected client mix and purchases carefully before opting in, since backing out early isn’t straightforward.

Who benefits most from KOR

KOR tends to suit ZZP’ers and small businesses who sell mainly to private consumers (where 21% BTW would otherwise be a real price increase) and have relatively low reclaimable input BTW on business costs. It’s generally a poor fit for businesses that invoice mostly BTW-registered clients (who’d reclaim your BTW anyway) or that have significant equipment or stock purchases with reclaimable BTW.

Frequently asked questions

Can I opt into KOR mid-year?

Yes, you can apply for KOR to start from a specific date, though there are processing timeframes with the Belastingdienst to factor in before it takes effect.

What happens if my turnover exceeds €20,000 while on KOR?

You lose KOR eligibility for the following period and must start charging standard BTW again — exceeding the threshold mid-year has specific transitional consequences worth checking with the Belastingdienst.

Can I opt out of KOR before the 3 years are up?

Generally no, except in specific circumstances — the 3-year commitment is a deliberate feature to prevent businesses switching in and out opportunistically.

Does KOR affect my income tax position, or only BTW?

KOR is specifically a BTW/VAT scheme — it doesn’t directly change your income tax treatment, which is assessed separately.

Can foreign businesses established outside the Netherlands use KOR?

The Dutch KOR is specifically for businesses established in the Netherlands, though a related EU-wide SME scheme allows some cross-border small businesses to access similar treatment under specific conditions.

Not sure if KOR suits your situation?

Enter your revenue and get a plain-English answer in seconds.

Check my BTW status →
General guidance only. KOR eligibility and commitment rules are specific — model your situation carefully before opting in. Always verify with the Belastingdienst or consult a qualified accountant before making decisions.

Related tools & reading