Yes, it is wise to object to the tax interest, especially if you have recently received an assessment on which interest has been calculated. More and more entrepreneurs and citizens are no longer picking it up: the tax interest rises considerably and is being challenged en masse.
Does the tax authorities charge too high interest? The Supreme Court bends: ‘Many find the rate unfair’
The interest can rise to unpleasant heights, especially if you have to pay extra after the year. In 2024, the interest rate for corporation tax was 10%, and 7.5%for income tax. In 2025, those percentages are slightly lower, but still sturdy: 9% and 6.5% respectively.
Too much
The bomb burst on November 7, 2024, when a judge ruled that the interest rate for corporation tax is too greedy. The tax authorities appealed. In the meantime, the objections came in. So much so that on 14 February 2025 the State Secretary decided that all objections on the amount of tax interest will be held until the Supreme Court rules. Objections to the interest on other taxes are now also covered by this scheme. It is not clear how long this will take.
Stripe due to too high tax interest for companies: ‘Significant pronunciation due to major interests’
What does this mean now? If tax interest has been calculated from October 1, 2020, you may be entitled to a refund, but only if you object in time. This must be done within six weeks of the date of the assessment and before the Supreme Court comes with a final decision. In short: do an objection. You don’t have to fight it yourself: your objection will be ‘parked’ for the time being. But without objection your chance of reimbursement will lapse.
Marijke Vervoort is a tax specialist at Team Vervoort. Also a question? Mail to [email protected].