Put your business on hold? This is what you need to arrange

  • The basis
  • 2 June 2025
  • Edited 2 June 2025
  • 1 min
  • Ending

If you are not carrying out any business activities for a longer period of time, you need to deregister your business from the Business Register. This is because the Business Register is a register of active companies. Pausing your registration is not possible.

Sometimes it may be necessary to temporarily stop working in your business. For example, due to study, temporary employment, sickness, or travel. What you should do with your registration depends on your situation.

Inactive less than 6 months

Do you expect your business to be inactive for less than 6 months? Then stop working temporarily but keep your business registered in the Business Register. Let your contacts and network know that you are stopping your business activities for the time being. Your business will then have no turnover. Continue to file VAT returns, even if these are nil or zero returns. Keeping good business records is important.

Inactive for longer than 6 months

Is it likely your business will be inactive for longer than 6 months? Or are you not sure how long the temporary pause will last? Then deregister your business. If you start activities again after this period, register a new business. You will be given a new KVK number and a new VAT number. It is not possible to use your old KVK and VAT numbers again.

No turnover, but still active

Does your business have no turnover at the moment, but you are busy working on it? For example, on customer acquisition, product development, or preparations to get started? Then this is a good reason to remain registered.

But be aware that after a year of zero returns, the Netherlands Tax Administration may withdraw your VAT number. Before they do this, you will receive a letter from the Tax Administration. If you disagree with the withdrawal of your VAT number, you must prove that no ‘cessation’ (staking) took place and that you have been active in your business all this time. Can you not prove this? Then KVK will be notified by the Tax Administration and we will deregister your business from the Business Register.

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