Your questions
about the
Singing Bookkeeper

  • I help freelancers and individuals file their income tax returns correctly and on time. Freelancers can also rely on me for bookkeeping questions, annual accounts, and provisional tax support.
    For more information, check out the Servies page.

  • No, I focus on bookkeeping and income tax. Personal financial advice is a different specialty.

  • At the moment, my focus is mainly on sole proprietorships and individuals. If you have a VOF or BV, I am happy to refer you to someone in my network.

  • No. I believe you maintain the most control when you manage your own books. I step in where most people need help: annual accounts and tax returns—plus support along the way.

    1. First, I like to get to know you during an intake meeting so I understand who you are, what you do, and what you are looking for in a bookkeeper.

    2. You maintain your bookkeeping, and I assist with questions and remind you of VAT deadlines.

    3. When it’s time for your income tax return, I send you a checklist so you can gather all the supporting documents.

    4. I then review your entire administration and prepare your income tax return for you.

    5. Because it is your return, I always send you a draft of the prepared documents. If you have any questions, I will, of course, answer them. Once you approve everything, I submit the return on your behalf.

  • You can switch at any time.

    I like to get to know you during an intake meeting so I know who you are, what you do, and what you are looking for in an accountant.

    During this conversation, we can also discuss what is needed to make the switch.

  • You can always reach me via email or through the contact page.

  • No, I am not an accountant. Although the fields are similar, they are different specializations.

    I work as a bookkeeper with a completed degree in business economics and ten years of experience as a financial employee and bookkeeper.

  • Everyone has their own preference for accounting software. I am flexible and familiar with most packages.

    I have worked with Gekko, Moneybird, E-boekhouden, Yuki, and Rompslomp, and Excel holds few secrets for me.

    If you use another system, no problem. I can usually find my way in any system.

  • I will notify you once I have submitted your income tax return. The tax authorities then need some time to process it and issue an assessment, which can take about three months.

    You don’t need to do anything yourself; the assessment will be sent to you automatically. Once you receive it, it will state the payment deadline, which is usually one month after the assessment date.

  • If you outsource your annual accounts and income tax return to me, I review your entire administration. I also check whether your VAT returns match your records.

    If you have reported and paid/received too much or too little VAT during the year, I file a VAT supplementary return to reconcile the difference.

  • The names are based on musical terms—a nod to the “singing” side of bookkeeping.

    • B-Major and B-Minor are different musical keys, a playful reference to “large bookkeeping” and “small bookkeeping.” (since in Dutch you can also use “groot” (big) for Major and “klein” (small) for Minor)

    • Duet is when two musicians play together, fitting for a consultation we have together.

    • Prelude is a musical introduction, making it a good term for a provisional assessment.

    • Modulation is a musical term indicating change, which seemed fitting for a changing personal situation.

    • Presto is a musical tempo marking for “fast,” representing expedited service.

    • Forte and Piano indicate in music how loud or soft something should be played. I use these terms to describe the level of complexity when preparing an additional tax return for a tax partner.

  • Absolutely. In fact, I often quite literally sing while I’m working on your tax return.
    Curious? Check out my work as a singer at www.ctuned.nl.

FAQ about
Taxes & Bookkeeping

  • In the Netherlands, we have a healthcare system. This means you can visit a doctor or hospital without immediately going bankrupt. Every resident contributes to this system in two ways.

    The first (and most well-known) is health insurance.
    In addition, the government also contributes to healthcare, and that money is collected from Dutch residents through the Health Insurance Act assessment as a form of tax.

    If you are employed, this is deducted from your gross salary. But as a self-employed person, you pay this (just like your income tax) after the year as ended.

  • I see tax interest on my assessment. What is that?

    The income tax period is extremely busy for all bookkeepers. Although I will do my best, it is not always possible to file tax returns for all clients before May 1. Bookkeepers can request an extension from the tax authorities to avoid fines, but you will then be subject to tax interest.

    The tax authority charges interest on a debt you owe, such as income tax and VAT that you pay later. This is called tax interest.

    For sole proprietors, the tax interest rate for all taxes is 7.5%, and you pay it when the tax authority issues you an assessment with an amount due.

    Who pays the tax interest?
    As an entrepreneur, you always pay this. You are responsible for your tax return. If you choose to outsource it, unfortunately, you cannot pass the tax interest on to your bookkeeper.

  • What is a VAT return?
    A VAT return is the declaration of turnover tax.

    When do I file?
    If you are VAT-registered, the tax authorities send a letter with your reporting periods. Most entrepreneurs file VAT returns quarterly, in the first month after the end of the quarter:

    • 1st quarter: in April

    • 2nd quarter: in July

    • 3rd quarter: in October

    • 4th quarter: in January of the following year

    When do I pay VAT?
    You do not receive a separate assessment for VAT. If your return shows an amount due, you must pay it to the tax authorities before the end of the reporting month:

    • 1st quarter VAT: pay by April 30

    • 2nd quarter VAT: pay by July 31

    • 3rd quarter VAT: pay by October 31

    • 4th quarter VAT: pay by January 31 of the following year

    Note: If you do not pay on time, the tax authorities will impose a penalty that continues to accrue until the VAT return is paid.

    What if I did not file a return?
    The tax authorities estimate your VAT and issue an assessment. Only when you submit the return will they reconcile it with the previously imposed assessment. Please keep the following in mind! Because technically you did not pay on time, the authorities may also charge a fine, which is not offset after correcting your VAT return.

    I made an error in my VAT return – what now?
    If the difference is less than €1,000, you can include it in the next quarter’s return. If the error is larger, you must submit a correction to the tax authorities called a supplementary return.

    Why do I receive a supplementary return at the end of the year?
    If you outsource your annual accounts and income tax return to me, I check your entire administration, including whether your VAT returns match your records. If you reported and paid/received too much or too little VAT during the year, I file a VAT supplementary return to reconcile the difference.

  • The tax authorities set a basic filing deadline of May 1 of the year following the tax year. For example, the 2025 tax return must be filed by May 1, 2026.

    Extensions:
    Sometimes it is not feasible to complete your return by May 1. The tax authorities allow you to request an extension. You can receive an extension until September 1.
    If an accountant requests an extension for you, the deadline is extended by a total of one year. For example, the 2025 return must then be filed by May 1, 2027.

  • A provisional assessment is an estimate of the tax you’ll pay or receive for the current year. By getting this assesment you will pay or receive your income tax up front.

    It helps you:

    • avoid large payments at year-end

    • reduce tax interest

    • receive refunds earlier (e.g. mortgage interest deduction, for individuals)

    The tax authorities may issue a provisional assessment, but you can also apply for one yourself. If your situation changes, it can always be adjusted or stopped.


    Do you need help with this? No problem! I help you keep your provisional assessment in tune with your current situation.

Did you not find your question here.
Please contact me and I will help you on your way.

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