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Tax26 June 2026 • 5 min read

Small business scheme (KOR) for freelancers: no VAT under €20,000 turnover

With turnover below €20,000 per year you can get a VAT (BTW) exemption via the KOR scheme.

The Kleine Ondernemersregeling (KOR) is a VAT exemption for small businesses in the Netherlands. You do not charge VAT on invoices or file quarterly returns — but you cannot deduct input VAT either.

What is the KOR?

The Kleine Ondernemersregeling (KOR) is a VAT (BTW) exemption for entrepreneurs with less than €20,000 annual turnover.

Advantages

No VAT administration, no quarterly VAT return and simpler invoices without a VAT line.

Disadvantages

You cannot deduct VAT on business purchases (no input VAT) and after registering you are committed for at least 3 years.

How to apply

Register via Mijn Belastingdienst Zakelijk. If you exceed €20,000 turnover you charge VAT again and file returns from that point on.

When is it worth it?

Low turnover and few business costs often make KOR attractive; with high costs, regular VAT deduction is often better.

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