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How to choose your deregistration date

  • 10 November 2025
  • Edited 5 November 2026
  • 2 min
  • Ending and deregistration
  • Hajar Scholten

You have decided to end your business. An important step is to deregister your business with KVK. You will need to provide a deregistration date. This may seem like a minor detail, but the timing is very important. The date has implications for taxes, current contracts, and your liability.

When choosing a deregistration date, it is important that the date is after you did your last business activities. You can choose a date

  • in the past (up to one year ago)
  • or in the future (up to 60 days ahead).

How to choose the best deregistration date

The best deregistration date for you depends on several factors. Here is how to choose the date:

  • Select a date after your last business activity

    Your deregistration date must correspond to the day on which you actually ceased trading. For example, the date of your last invoice or sale. This could also be a change to your details in the Business Register, such as a change of address or change of management.

    • Example of a entrepreneur with a rental contract: Does your rental contract run until 31 December? In that case, deregistering before the contract  ends is usually not wise.

    • Example of a self-employed professional: Are you sending your last bill on 15 November  and do you no longer have any business activities? In that case, 15 November or a date soon after could be a clear date for deregistration.

  • Take taxes and allowances into account

    The Netherlands Tax Administration uses the deregistration date to determine until when you must pay VAT and income tax. A date of 31 December closes the financial year, while 1 January means that you still have obligations in the new year. This may also affect allowances.

  • Take enough time to wind up your business properly

    Consider rent, insurance, loans, or staff. If you deregister too early, these obligations will often continue. Align your deregistration date with the end date of contracts or notice periods. This will help you avoid unnecessary costs.

  • Make it practical and clear

    Many entrepreneurs choose the end of a month or quarter. This simplifies the administration and prevents having to file separate tax returns. Consult with your accountant or advisor: sometimes a few days' difference can have consequences.

Summary: choose a deregistration date that suits you 

Only deregister once you have completed everything. Take the time to choose a date that matches your last activities ànd is financially convenient and practical. This will prevent any surprises afterwards and ensure that you close your business properly. Want to be sure you have not overlooked anything? Use the Checklist for closing your business. Or deregister now.

FAQ

You give the date when filling out the deregistration form. You can choose a date in the past (up to 1 year ago) or in the future (up to 60 days ahead).  

Yes, you can, up to a maximum of 1 year ago. 

KVK will automatically forward your deregistration to the Netherlands Tax Administration. You will then receive a letter about the final tax returns you need to file. 

Want to talk about your personal situation?

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