The Dutch parliament faces a deadlock regarding the increase in taxes on investors and savers by 2026.
The Dutch Tweede Kamer (House of Representatives) is experiencing a deep stalemate regarding the planned tax increase in 2026 on investors and savers, as no alternative proposal has gained majority support. Several alternatives have been proposed, but all have collapsed under the weight of political rejection.
During the discussion of the tax plan for 2026, VVD Deputy Wendy van Eijk stated that the parliament has reached a 'deadlock', explaining that she considered imposing a slight increase on high-income earners but abandoned the idea after it became clear that it would not receive enough votes. This deadlock is due to the delay in implementing a new system for taxing capital gains.
To bridge the budget gap, the interim cabinet wants to raise the assumed return on investment and lower the tax-exempt threshold for investors. Critics warn that this will not only harm investors but will also affect ordinary savers and self-employed individuals with private retirement savings, as well as owners of second properties such as holiday homes.
Concerns are growing that the already burdened Belastingdienst (tax authority) will have to bear an additional load as more citizens enter the new tax system. Various parties from different directions have proposed alternative suggestions, but all have been met with opposition.
So far, ChristenUnie and SGP are the only two parties that have made a tangible amendment, proposing to expedite the abolition of a tax benefit enjoyed by those who are close to fully repaying their mortgage. The Tweede Kamer (House of Representatives) is scheduled to vote next week on the tax plan for 2026 and all proposed amendments.