What is a VAT tax number?
- 15 June 2023
- Edited 26 August 2026
- 1 min
- Starting
- KVK Editors
You get a VAT tax number (‘omzetbelastingnummer’) from the Netherlands Tax Administration after you register your business at the Netherlands Chamber of Commerce KVK. You use your VAT tax number when you contact the Tax Administration and, for example, when you file a tax return. It is not the same as a VAT identification number.
What do you need to arrange when starting a business?
Answer the questions on Business.gov.nl and see the steps that are important in your situation.
When do you receive a VAT tax number?
After registering with KVK, we will forward your details to the Netherlands Tax Administration (Belastingdienst). They will assess whether your business will be registered for . If that is the case, you will receive your VAT tax number from the Tax Administration within 10 working days.
Is your business registered for VAT? If so, you will actually receive 2 numbers from the Tax Administration by post:
- your VAT tax number, and
- your VAT identification number (VAT ID or btw-id).
If you are not a VAT-registered business, you will not receive these 2 numbers. The Tax Administration will write to you to confirm this.
What do I use my VAT tax number for?
You only use your VAT tax number when you are in contact with the Tax Administration. For example, when submitting your VAT return, when writing to the Tax Administration, or when calling the Tax Helpline.
What is the difference between a VAT tax number and VAT ID?
| VAT tax number | VAT ID number | |
| When do you use it? | Contact with the Tax Administration | Contact with customers and suppliers |
| Where do you use it? | In a VAT tax return or when calling the Tax Administration | On quotes, invoices, and your website |
| What does it look like? | 123456789B01 (9 numbers, 1 letter, and 2 numbers) | NL123456789B01 (the letters 'NL', 9 numbers, 1 letter, and 2 numbers) |
Do you have an eenmanszaak?
If so, your citizen service number (BSN) is included in your VAT tax number. You should therefore take extra care to ensure that your VAT identification number, rather than your VAT tax number, is shown on your invoices, price quotations, and website.
Where can I find my VAT tax number?
You can find your VAT tax number in the Mijn Belastingdienst Zakelijk portal. In the menu bar, click on 'Btw' (VAT). Under btw-identificatienummer (VAT identification number) you will see both your VAT ID and your VAT tax number.
