Dutch Tax Authority urges youth and seniors to claim unclaimed refunds

The Dutch Tax Authority (Belastingdienst) has issued a reminder for young people and seniors to file tax returns to claim money they may be owed. Many individuals are missing out on significant refunds because they fail to submit declarations.

Young people with part-time jobs or internships are frequently eligible for refunds. Those aged 15 to 17 receive an average of €400, while those aged 18 to 23 receive an average of €800. The authority noted that much of the necessary data is pre-filled, making the process relatively simple.

In 2024, individuals aged 70 and older collectively left €29 million in unclaimed tax money. Seniors may be entitled to refunds due to multiple pensions alongside their AOW (state pension) or through deductible healthcare costs, such as medical aids or transportation to doctors, provided these were not covered by insurance. The Tax Authority will send letters this autumn to those suspected of having unclaimed funds, but encourages everyone to check via 'MijnBelastingdienst' or the tax app.