nuNov 2, 2026, 12:52

Over 70,000 entrepreneurs have yet to repay Covid debt

More than 70,000 entrepreneurs still have outstanding tax debts from the coronavirus crisis and have only eleven months remaining to complete their repayments. While most businesses have settled their accounts, the tax authorities have introduced flexible options, including payment pauses or term extensions, to assist those currently struggling to meet their obligations.

More than 70,000 entrepreneurs in the Netherlands have yet to pay off their outstanding coronavirus tax debts. During the pandemic, approximately 400,000 businesses received special payment extensions, but the tax authorities report that time is running out for the remaining companies to finalize their repayments. Most of these businesses have only eleven months left to settle their remaining balances.

In October 2022, the government introduced a comprehensive repayment scheme for over 266,000 companies, which at the time held a total debt of around 20 billion euros. While 4,500 entrepreneurs recently cleared their debts ahead of schedule, the tax authority is still awaiting payments from about 73,000 entities. To support those struggling, the government offers options such as payment pauses or extending the repayment period for up to seven years under specific conditions.

Economy Business Netherlands

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Based on reporting by nu. Translated and condensed by LocalHeadlines.

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