There is even an iDEAL button underneath to be able to pay immediately. The button does not work, but there is information on how you can pay. Paula cannot pay such a huge amount. She can’t sleep because of worry.
Through the assessment number, Paula finds out that it is a protective assessment. Paula has been living in Germany for some time. The tax authorities impose such an assessment to maintain the right to tax that someone will have to pay in the future. If you emigrate to a European country, you do not have to pay the protective assessment immediately. Paula has therefore previously been granted a deferment of payment until 2031. Why does she have to pay now? She contacts the tax authorities.
There she hears that this problem affects everyone with a conservative approach. The system shows the final payment date instead of the postponement date. Nowhere is it stated that this is a protective assessment, which is necessary to properly understand the situation. According to Paula, this is very unclear and the Tax Authorities encourage people to make payments that are not necessary at all. The Tax Authorities acknowledge the problem, but indicate that the system simply works that way.
Paula is not satisfied with this and contacts our colleague Froukje*. Paula asks her whether the National Ombudsman can intervene and ensure that a solution is found. Froukje gets to work on it and contacts the Tax Authorities. Paula then receives a message from the Tax Authorities apologizing for the stress caused and confirming that she does not have to pay the assessment. The Tax Authorities also agree that the information is misleading and unacceptable. They will adjust the information on ‘My Tax Authorities’. They also thank Paula for her complaint. Because this way they can improve services.
I’m glad Paula raised the alarm with us. The Tax Authorities must ensure that everyone receives the correct information and that it is complete and clear. That is what you can expect from a government organization. The Tax Authorities are addressing the problem and will keep Paula and us informed. I’ll keep following it.
*Not real name