News item | 16-09-2025 | 11:03
Read the most important plans of the 2026 Budget Memorandum and the Tax Plan 2026 in simple language.
Every year the cabinet makes a budget. This states how much money the government spends and what things. And how much money does the government get in taxes and premiums.
Dutch people will have a little more money on average in 2026. Poverty also decreases.
The government does not want people to have to pay more tax on gasoline and diesel than last year.
The government also wants the Netherlands to become safer. And better ready for problems in the world. That is why more money goes to the army.
What does the government do?
- People get a discount on the tax they have to pay for gasoline or diesel. This way the government wants to ensure that refueling does not become more expensive.
- The educational opportunity scheme remains. Schools continue to receive extra money to help students who need it.
- In 2026 there would be less money to public transport in cities and villages. The government is moving this saving to 2027.
- There will be more money in 2028 to build new prisons.
- More money goes to the army.
- Municipalities receive more than € 700 million for youth care.
National debt
Every country has debts: the national debt. The national debt of the Netherlands is low, also compared to other countries. The national debt is no higher than the agreement with Europe.
In 2026, the government will issue a little more money than comes in. This is called a budget deficit. As a result, the national debt increases slightly. But the budget deficit of 2026 is no higher than the agreement with Europe.
Tax plan 2026
The government also wants to adjust taxes. For example, so that everyone pays fair taxes. And so that people have more money.
What the government wants, for example:
- Companies must always pay taxes (sugar tax) for soft drinks, vegetable juice or fruit juice. Even when a little milk or yogurt is put in.
- The flight tax changes. For shorter flights you pay less tax than for long flights. The longer flights to the Caribbean part of the Kingdom are covered by the low load.
- In 2026 people pay less tax for cars that are not CO2 emit. For example electric or cars that run on hydrogen.
The House of Representatives has to approve the plans from the Budget Memorandum and the Tax Plan. That happens this fall. Then we only know if it all will really go. And whether plans need to be adjusted.