Can I deduct starting costs?
- Edited 27 August 2026
- 1 min
- Rules and laws
- Starting
- Laura van Dijk
Can you claim back costs for getting ready to start a business? Yes. These costs are also known as starting costs. If you have business expenses before your business starts, even before you register with KVK, you can in many cases deduct these from your profit. Are you registered for VAT? If so, you can often claim back the VAT on these costs.
In this video, presenters Max and Lisanne explain in one minute which costs you can claim back and how it works. Starting costs are business expenses you make before your registration with KVK. These are costs you have before you start your business. Examples of starting costs include:
- a laptop or other business equipment
- the cost of a website
- advice from an accountant
- business subscriptions
How it works
Income tax
You deduct the business expenses from your profit when you file your income tax return. This may result in you having to pay less income tax.Â
Turnover tax (VAT)
Does your business have to charge and pay VAT? Then you can usually claim a refund for the VAT you paid on starting up costs in your VAT return.Â
In ancy case
Always keep your receipts and invoices in a safe place. The Netherlands Tax Administration may ask to see proof of purchase. Also check that all the necessary details are included, such as your name and address and those of the seller, a description of the product or service, the price, the date, and the VAT amount.
About this video series
In the ‘KVK Wijzer in één minuut’ videos, you will find quick answers to questions KVK often gets from business owners. These cover topics such as running a business, regulations, and financial matters. Concise, clear, and reliable – so you can get on with running your business straight away.