Netherlands/UK contracting

**Tarquin Farquhar** · 11 February 2010, 10:46

Originally posted by SizeZero View Post

Lots of information about being resident here and working in the UK, not so much about the other way around.

Long story short: former contractor, moved to Holland for a perm job, perm job was outsourced, now considering a contract back in the UK.

I know there are a few people based over here in the Netherlands, so my question: are you operating through a Dutch payroll company and if so, can you recommend them? Have you set up a UK Ltd (I don't want this option if it can be avoided) or are you working as a ZZPer here? I don't want any hassle with the Belastingdienst whatsoever, so I'm looking for the easiest solution. Agent is both arrogant and flipless (winning combination

) so no help there, whereas I'm just stressed and clueless

.

Will the agent give you the contract if you don't go through a UK Ltd Co?

Isn't the best way to avoid hassle with the Belastingdienst to ask them what to do?

**SizeZero** · 11 February 2010, 11:17

Originally posted by Tarquin Farquhar View Post

Isn't the best way to avoid hassle with the Belastingdienst to ask them what to do?

As they refuse to communicate in English any more and my dutch isn't strong enough to talk tax laws with them, I thought I'd seek some pointers here first, see if anyone could point me in a general direction or has recommendations.

If it's too complex, and as I don't have an accountant here (yet), I'll just limit my contract-search to benelux for now as the market seems to be stabilising. This was just a particularly interesting contract (and a good daily rate) but leaving family in one country while working away is a balancing act and excessive financial headaches would just tip the scales in favour of 'too much hassle'.

**nodric** · 11 February 2010, 12:08

Originally posted by SizeZero View Post

Lots of information about being resident here and working in the UK, not so much about the other way around.

Long story short: former contractor, moved to Holland for a perm job, perm job was outsourced, now considering a contract back in the UK.

If you work in the UK for more than 183 days in any one tax year, and 90 days average per year over a 4 year period, you will be considered tax resident, regardless of your operating structure. Even if you worked through your own Dutch company, your personal income would be taxed in the UK. i.e. Your salary. However, company profits would remain taxable in Holland. There are complexities about demonstrating your companies Centre of Economic Interest if you operate a 'one man band', but too detailed for this reply.

You could work via a UK umbrella company, but then you would likely pay tax in the UK from day 1, as most will not be able to handle the complex tax rules you would need to work as a non resident.

You would have to file a tax return in Holland declaring your Worldwide income, detailing any taxes paid in the UK, which has a double taxation treaty with Holland. If all is done correctly, you should not have to pay additional taxes in Holland. There are however, some rules governing bonuses and other non salaried payments that could attract additional withholding taxes in Holland, even if you have paid tax in the UK on such amounts.

These rules apply across all EU countries, so not unique to the UK market.

Summary: You need an accountant who specialises in the local market and overseas working, and who has a sound understanding of Double Taxation laws.

.

**crazyfrog** · 12 February 2010, 12:17

I've used these guys

www.tcpsolutions.com

They were really efficient in everything they did for me, even getting most of the tax back I had paid.

But...i was working in Holland through them. Maybe they could give you some pointers for working in the UK and the problems you could incur.

Netherlands/UK contracting