VAT return
With exempt and taxed work kept neatly apart
More about this serviceBookkeeping for writers and journalists
Accountant for writers and journalists
You write for newspapers, publishers, agencies or businesses, and you'd rather spend your time on your writing than on whether your invoice needs VAT. TaxMate handles your bookkeeping and tax returns, with a dedicated bookkeeper who knows the VAT exemption for authors. Fixed monthly price, cancellable monthly.
- 1,000+ satisfied clients
- 9.7 on Trustoo and 4.8 on Trustpilot
- Response within 24 hours
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9.7 on Trustoo and 4.8 on TrustpilotNo obligation
- entrepreneurs have already made the switch
- 1,000+
- average on Trustoo
- 9.7
- response time to your request
- 24 hours
- cancellable, no annual contract
- Monthly
Sound familiar?
Sound familiar?
The questions we hear most from freelance journalists, authors, copywriters and composers.
VAT on my invoice or not?
Royalties from abroad
Irregular income
A mix of assignments
Specific to your sector
What we look out for with writers and journalists
A few specific rules apply to people who create text and music. These are the points we go through with every client in this field.
The VAT exemption for authors
Services by writers, journalists, cartoonists and composers in which they supply copyright work are exempt from VAT. We check per assignment whether the exemption applies and what it means for your invoices.
Where the exemption doesn't apply
Copywriting where you don't transfer or license the copyright, editing and training are often subject to VAT. If you do both, we keep your taxed and exempt turnover separate, including for the VAT on your costs.
Royalties and fees from abroad
With foreign publishers and clients, the VAT rules of their country often apply. If foreign tax has been withheld, we check whether you can offset it in the Netherlands.
Business owner or not
If you write alongside a job, it isn't always clear whether you count as an entrepreneur for income tax. That decides whether you can claim the business deductions. We look at it together in advance.
Our approach
Why writers and journalists choose TaxMate
A bookkeeper who understands your work
You don't have to explain what an advance is or why a column works differently from web copy. Your dedicated contact knows your situation and thinks ahead.
Invoices and receipts in one app
You upload your invoices and receipts in the MyTaxMate app and your bank is linked. So even in an unpredictable year you can see what's coming in and going out.
One fixed price, even if you ask a lot
A question about a new publisher or VAT on an assignment costs you nothing extra. You get an answer within 24 hours and know in advance what you pay each month.
Fully taken care of
What TaxMate takes care of for you
Income tax
Including royalties and income from abroad
More about this serviceAnnual accounts
Fully taken care of, on time every year
More about this serviceForecast
A grip on what to set aside when income varies
More about this serviceWhat it costs
One fixed price, everything included
One monthly fee covers your VAT return, your income tax, your annual accounts and unlimited advice. No hourly billing and no extra bill if you call us with a question. You'll hear what it comes to for you in the call or on the pricing page.
- Cancel monthlyNo annual contract, no small print. Switch or stop whenever you want.
- No hidden extrasWhat you see is what you pay. No extra invoice when you call or email with a question.
- Personal point of contactYou always have one person who knows you and your situation from A to Z.
Switching
How switching to TaxMate works
Get acquainted
In a 30-minute call we go through your situation. You'll hear straight away what we can do for you and what it costs.
We handle the switch
We contact your current bookkeeper or accounting software provider and collect your earlier annual figures. All you have to do is approve.
You get back to business
You upload your receipts in MyTaxMate and we take care of the filings. A question along the way costs you nothing extra.
What clients say
Entrepreneurs who have already made the switch
Honest feedback from clients who moved their bookkeeping to TaxMate.
4.8 on trustpilotRead all reviews →I was helped well and clearly with my tax returns. I always had the opportunity to ask my questions and get answers to them. I am happy with these accountants.
Translated from DutchGreat experience with TaxMate! Helped quickly, easy to reach and the onboarding was sorted in no time. Simply clear and without hassle. Recommended!
Translated from DutchAs a company we switched to TaxMate's software, and I can tell you it really makes a difference. Everything feels super smooth and it saves a lot of time. I am very happy with how the bookkeeping runs now.
Translated from DutchCommunication was clear and professional. The staff were friendly, involved and very customer-focused. Everything was arranged smoothly and correctly. An excellent service!
Translated from DutchThe staff are very involved. Communication went well and all in all a very pleasant experience.
Translated from DutchTaxMate has always helped me well by taking the ‘heavy’ and, in my eyes, ‘boring’ work off my hands. Communication was excellent, I could always come to them with my questions!
Translated from DutchVery pleasant to work with, they know what they are doing and think along with you in every situation.
Translated from DutchEven though TaxMate was in a very busy period, my required documents were delivered very quickly and accurately. The continuous communication is also phenomenal and much appreciated! Thank you TaxMate!
Translated from DutchI've been working with TaxMate for a while now and can really recommend them to everyone! They respond quickly, are friendly and always easy to reach. In short: a great firm that takes everything off your hands and makes the whole process incredibly easy.
Translated from DutchGreat company. Super reliable, and as a freelancer I find them very pleasant to work with.
Translated from DutchEnthusiastic staff who pay attention to the client. Clear in their communication and fair treatment. Clear and sincere!
Translated from DutchVery happy with the service. Communication was fast, clear, and professional throughout the whole process. They handled everything efficiently and made a complicated tax situation much easier to resolve. Highly recommended!
Great firm, pleasant proactive service!
Translated from DutchGood guidance, and I could come to them with any question, which was then answered quickly. I definitely recommend TaxMate, nothing but positive experiences!
Translated from DutchI've been working with TaxMate for quite a while. Since I started working with them I have financial peace of mind, so I can recommend them to everyone.
Translated from DutchI had a great collaboration with this accounting firm. They work professionally, respond quickly and think along with you. Everything was explained clearly and arranged neatly. Definitely recommended for anyone looking for a reliable accountant.
Translated from DutchVery happy with TaxMate. Really nice people and everything goes really fast. When I have a question, I immediately feel that they listen and that I am being helped.
Translated from DutchThe ease and reliability with which my bookkeeping is done is excellent. I've been a TaxMate client for a year and so far I haven't regretted my decision. I therefore recommend TaxMate to everyone as an accounting partner.
Translated from DutchTaxMate did a very last minute report for me, over Christmas, and they were super helpful and delivered on time, even did some adjustments and followed up.
I needed interim figures for my business at short notice. I called on Wednesday afternoon and had the report by Friday morning. Really professional and fast help. I can recommend TaxMate to everyone!
Translated from DutchNothing but good experiences since I switched, both private and business. Whether you call or email, you get an immediate response. They sort it out right away!
Translated from DutchI have had very good experiences with TaxMate. Wouter helped me well. He is happy to help you with your problems and gives good advice!
Translated from DutchThey are friendly, fast, helpful and very easy to reach. They really take the load off you!
Translated from DutchTaxMate always delivers pleasant, smooth and clear service. Recommended!
Translated from DutchNothing to complain about. Always easy to reach, they take the time to help you and they're very friendly. Everything is kept up to date properly and easily. And if you have questions, they're answered right away.
Translated from DutchFriendly, and they take you along through the process. Even when things are still unclear, they explain them so you understand. Also quick and easy to reach in between.
Translated from DutchHelpful, quick and trustworthy. My tax return and annual statement were ready in no time (once I had supplied the right documents). They saved me a lot of money and were always friendly. In short, I am very satisfied.
Translated from DutchA good digital bookkeeping system, and if you have questions customer service is easy to reach too. Everything else is clear about how to fill in your details.
Translated from DutchTaxMate was always responsive, and completed my financial report for the IND very quickly. Great company
Fast and helpful
Translated from DutchAlways a quick response, and the service at TaxMate is great!
Translated from DutchIt was a pleasant experience for me with TaxMate. All my questions were answered immediately. All my matters were handled professionally and quickly.
Translated from DutchI'm new to managing my own business and they were so helpful with every step of the way, even though I had to communicate in English since I'm not Dutch. Very professional and straight to the point with their services.
Practical way of working. Direct contact when needed. Pleasant communication.
Translated from DutchVery satisfied with the bookkeeping: they know what they are talking about and are easy to reach. I also got good help with a question about how best to correct an error in previously filed annual accounts, so thanks for that!
Translated from DutchThe people at TaxMate help me with everything involving the tax authorities that comes with a sole proprietorship. They can act quickly and are very friendly!
Translated from DutchSuper fast and neat help!!
Translated from DutchFrequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions from writers and journalists
Journalistic work in which you supply copyright work is usually exempt from VAT. You then put no VAT on your invoice, but you also can't reclaim VAT on the related costs. If you do other work as well, such as training or editing, that is often taxed.
That depends on what you agree. If you transfer the copyright or grant a licence, the exemption can apply. If you write copy where that isn't the case, you usually do charge VAT. We go through your assignments together.
Royalties belong in your income tax return, even when they come from abroad. If the publisher has already withheld tax, the tax treaty with that country decides whether you can offset it in the Netherlands. We look into it for you.
If you only supply exempt services, you usually don't have to file VAT returns. If you also have taxed turnover, you do. We look at how it works for you in the introductory call.
You pay a fixed monthly price that covers your VAT return, income tax, annual accounts and advice, with no set-up costs and cancellable monthly. Which package suits you is on the pricing page, or you'll hear it in the introductory call.
Free consultation
Ready to hand over your bookkeeping?
Book a free 30-minute introductory call. We go through your situation, from your clients to your VAT, and you'll hear straight away what we do for you and what it costs.
- 1,000+ satisfied clients
- 9.7 on Trustoo and 4.8 on Trustpilot
- Response within 24 hours
Free consultation
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Accountant for writers