In this guide
This guide helps you choose, and says where we could verify what a firm offers on its own website and where we could not. We only describe firms whose own site we could open, and we give prices only where the firm publishes them.
What “English-speaking” actually needs to mean
The Dutch market is full of accountants who tick “English” on their website. For an expat freelancer or business owner it is worth checking that:
- Written communication in English is good — your annual letter, BTW reminders and Belastingdienst letters. Translation lag slows response time.
- They know the 30% ruling — including the abolished partial non-resident status. According to the Belastingdienst, you can no longer choose partial foreign tax liability in your return from 1 January 2025; if you used the 30% ruling before 2024, transitional rules still allow it up to and including 2026.
- They understand cross-border income — foreign clients, treaties, and work performed abroad.
- Their bookkeeping setup is digital — find out how documents and invoices are exchanged.
- You get a clear service level — ask for response times in writing.
If a firm cannot answer these questions clearly, keep looking.
The shortlist: firms whose own sites we could check
Blue Umbrella
Blue Umbrella is based in Amsterdam (Keizersgracht) and presents itself as a plain-English tax platform. Its pricing page (checked 8 October 2026) lists:
- Income tax return: fixed fee, EUR 149 for an individual and EUR 199 for a family, including VAT
- Blue Business package: a flat-fee subscription from EUR 86 per month, excluding VAT
- Further services: payroll administration, Expat Scheme (30% ruling) support, childcare allowance, “Blue Envelope” (it explains Belastingdienst letters in plain English by email) and US expat tax through its Taxbrella platform
Where it may fit: expats and small businesses that want an English-language service for returns, the 30% ruling and business tax. Ask which of the services you need are in the fixed fee and which are extra.
TaxSavers
TaxSavers is a Dutch tax, mortgage, insurance and pension adviser with an English-language website. Its site lists personal services such as the tax return, tax advice, wealth tax and the M-form, and business services such as income tax and VAT returns. It also publishes guides on the 30% ruling and on tax for expats.
Where it may fit: if you want one adviser for tax and related questions such as a mortgage or insurance. Ask for a written quote for your situation, because we could not find a fixed price list.
Tentoo
Tentoo is a payroll and HR service provider rather than an accountant. According to its own website, it supports employers with payroll and also offers payroll for flex workers and self-employed people. Whether that fits you as a freelancer depends on the contract and the tax treatment of the arrangement, so ask Tentoo for its conditions and ask a tax adviser before you decide. If you work through any intermediary, check how it affects the entrepreneur deductions in our freelancer ZZP guide.
How to choose
Paid employee, no side income: you may only need help with the annual return; ask for a fixed price.
Freelancer (ZZP) with a simple setup: compare a bookkeeping package with doing the filings yourself in accounting software, and see our freelancer ZZP guide.
Freelancer with foreign income, several currencies or plans for a BV: look for a firm with international tax experience and ask for written scope and fees.
Arrived this year with a 30% ruling: the migration-year return (M-form) is where mistakes happen, so ask who prepares it and what it costs.
Already have a BV: ask about bookkeeping, payroll, annual accounts and tax returns, and what each costs.
Costs to ask about
Fees differ between firms, so ask these questions before you sign:
1. Set-up and registration fees. Does the firm charge to set up your KVK and BTW registration, or is it included?
2. Filing access. To file BTW you log in to Mijn Belastingdienst Zakelijk with DigiD or eHerkenning (KVK). Ask whether the firm needs a specific login or authorisation from you and who pays for it.
3. Year-end work. Is the income tax return included in the monthly package or billed separately? Are year-end adjustments charged by the hour?
Banking and bookkeeping integration matters
Check whether your accountant can work with the bank and bookkeeping software you use, for example Wise or Moneybird.
Open a Wise Business account →
The 30% ruling and freelancers
The 30% ruling is linked to employment, so as a sole proprietor (ZZP) you generally do not qualify; see the 30% ruling guide. If you work through your own BV and are employed by it, or you have an employer and freelance on the side, the position can be complicated. Ask a tax adviser who knows the ruling before you set anything up. For broader context on freelance tax planning, see our tax filing guide for freelance expats.
What about side hustles and passive income?
If you are starting to earn side income on top of a salary, for example from letting a room, investing or a small online shop, you may not need a full ZZP setup. We unpack the rules in our side hustle and passive income guide. Whether income counts as business profit or as “result from other activities” depends on the facts, so check with the Belastingdienst or an adviser.
Long-term planning: from freelancer to BV to retirement
Some other touchpoints your accountant should know about:
- Insurance. Your accountant should at least acknowledge that you need disability and liability insurance — see our Aegon vs Interpolis comparison — even if they do not sell it.
- Social safety net. The interaction between freelancing and Dutch unemployment benefits (WW) is not obvious; ask before you give up an employment contract.
- Family situation. If your partner or children are joining you on an MVV family reunification visa, there can be interactions with the 30% ruling and the household tax position.
What changes in 2027 you should care about
- The partial non-resident option for 30% ruling holders: from 1 January 2025 you can no longer choose it in your return; if you used the ruling before 2024, transitional rules allow it up to and including 2026 (Belastingdienst).
- The 30% allowance is lowered to a maximum of 27% from 2027, with a transitional rule for rulings applied on or before 31 December 2023 (Rijksoverheid).
- Box 3 rules for savings and investments change over time; ask your accountant what applies to your return.
A good accountant flags these proactively.
Final word
An accountant is a translator between your real life and the Belastingdienst. Choose someone who can explain things in your language, with clear scope and fees in writing, and switch when it stops fitting.
External source: Belastingdienst — English information — independent information on this topic.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an English-speaking accountant cost in the Netherlands?
It depends on the firm and on what you need. As an example, Blue Umbrella's website (8 October 2026) lists an income tax return from EUR 149 for an individual and EUR 199 for a family, including VAT, and a business package from EUR 86 per month excluding VAT. Ask every firm for a written quote that states what is included.
Do I really need an accountant as a ZZP freelancer?
Legally you can file your own BTW and income tax returns. Whether an accountant is worth it depends on your situation: foreign income, a 30% ruling, a BV or complicated deductions are reasons many people ask for help. Mistakes in a return can lead to correction letters or fines, so decide how comfortable you are with the rules.
What is the M-form and who handles it?
The M-form is the tax return for the year in which you immigrated or emigrated. According to the Belastingdienst you can file it online in Mijn Belastingdienst or on paper form M, and the Belastingdienst has up to 3 years to issue the final assessment. Many expat tax advisers will prepare it for you.
Can I switch accountants mid-year?
Usually. Agree the handover date, authorisations, outstanding filings, records and final invoice with both firms. The cleanest timing depends on your return and VAT obligations.
Hourly rate or flat fee: which is better for freelancers?
A flat monthly or yearly fee is easier to budget for, as long as it states which filings and questions are included. Hourly billing can suit one-off projects such as setting up a BV. Compare quotes on the same scope.
Does my accountant need to be physically near me?
Not necessarily. Many firms work remotely, but confirm secure document exchange, availability, languages, professional qualifications and how identity checks are handled.