When Paula (not her real name) visits the My Tax Administration website, she is shocked to see an income tax assessment of nearly 47,000 euros. There is also almost 1,500 euros in interest added. There is even an iDEAL button below to pay immediately. The button does not work, but there is information on how to pay. Paula cannot pay such a huge amount. She cannot sleep due to worry.
Using the assessment number, Paula finds out that it is a preserving assessment. Paula has been living in Germany for some time. The Tax Administration issues such an assessment to retain rights to tax that someone still has to pay in the future. If you emigrate to a European country, you do not have to pay the preserving assessment immediately. Paula had previously been granted a payment deferral until 2031. So why does she have to pay now? She contacts the Tax Administration.
Thats just how it works?
There she hears that this problem occurs for everyone with a preserving assessment. The system shows the final payment date instead of the deferral date. Nowhere is it stated that it is a preserving assessment, which is necessary to understand the situation properly. According to Paula, this is very unclear and encourages the Tax Administration to prompt people to make payments that are not necessary at all. The Tax Administration acknowledges the problem but states that the system simply works that way.
Misleading and unacceptable
Paula is not satisfied with this and contacts our colleague Froukje (not her real name). Paula asks if the National Ombudsman can intervene and ensure a solution. Froukje takes action and contacts the Tax Administration. Paula then receives a message from the Tax Administration apologizing for the caused stress and confirming that she does not have to pay the assessment. The Tax Administration also agrees that the information is misleading and unacceptable. They will adjust the information on My Tax Administration. They also thank Paula for her complaint. This way, they can improve the service.
Everyone the right information
I am glad Paula raised the alarm with us. The Tax Administration must ensure that everyone receives the correct information and that it is complete and clear. That is what you can expect from a government organization. The Tax Administration is addressing the problem and keeps Paula and us informed. I will continue to follow up.
