Large differences in impact per sector
Because the planned VAT measures affect specific products and services, the reception of the plans varies considerably by sector:
The most affected are in culture, sports, and recreation, where 77% expect a significant or some influence from the VAT measures. The hospitality industry (with 56%) and other services (with 39%) also expect that the VAT plans will have a significant or some impact on their sector.
In agriculture, forestry, and fisheries, only 6% expect a significant or some influence from the measures, while in the construction industry, this is 16%.
Measured across all sectors, the damage is moderate: 9% expect a significant influence and 24% expect some influence from the VAT plans on their own organization. No or hardly any influence is seen by 62% of respondents.
In terms of age, the group of respondents under 30 years old (or 17% of all respondents) expects the most effect: 47% of respondents aged 18 to 29 expect a significant or some influence from the VAT plans on their own organization. In the other age categories, this percentage averages around 30%.
Competitive position
When asked whether the competitive position of their organization within the Dutch market will be affected by the VAT plans starting in 2026, the answers from entrepreneurs with staff and financial managers are as follows:
64% of respondents in culture, sports, and recreation say they expect some or significant influence; in the hospitality industry, 43% of respondents expect this, and in industry, 38%. Across all sectors, 29% expect a deteriorated competitive position within the Netherlands.
Regarding the competitive position of their own organization within the European market starting in 2026, the sectors where the most effect is expected are: 46% in culture, sports, and recreation; 41% in hospitality; and 36% in the financial institutions sector. Across all sectors, 26% expect a deteriorated competitive position in Europe.
Where impact in terms of revenue and competition is only feared in a few sectors, respondents in the business sector are broadly pessimistic about their personal finances: 56% expect some (38%) to significant (18%) influence from the planned VAT measures.
About the research
This research was conducted online from October 25 to 29, 2024, by Nextens tax software in collaboration with PanelWizard Direct (www.panelwizard.com) among 836 respondents, working as self-employed entrepreneurs with staff or employed, excluding government, and being ultimately responsible for or (co-)deciding on finances within the organization. Of these respondents, 17% work at companies with up to 10 people and 25% at companies with more than 1,000 employees.
About Nextens
Nextens is the market leader in tax software and the tax knowledge partner of financial professionals. Nextens handles approximately 50% of the professionally submitted income tax returns, 40% of corporate tax returns, gift tax, and inheritance tax, and about 20% of VAT returns. Nextens is based in Amsterdam and is part of RELX, a global provider of data, analytics, and decision platforms for professionals. RELX operates in more than 40 countries with over 30,000 employees worldwide. More information at www.nextens.nl.
