grote teruggave op box 3-hervorming na oplopende kritiek
Den Haag, woensdag, 25 februari 2026.
Het Financieel ministerie trekt de geplande box 3-hervorming terug. Minister Eelco Heinen geeft toe aan massale kritiek. De wet zou belasting opleggen op onrealiseerde winsten. Dat betekent belasting betalen over winst die nog niet is verkocht. Gebruikers van aandelen, crypto en startersaandelen zijn hard getroffen. Zelfs Elon Musk reageerde op de maatregel. Experts waarschuwen voor gevolgen voor het investeringsklimaat. De regering geeft nu aan dat de wet zo niet door kan. Hij moet op de schop. Miljoenen belastingplichtigen met spaargeld of beleggingen ademen op. De druk kwam niet alleen van binnen. Internationale signalen versterkten de roep om herziening.
government retreats amid mounting pressure
The Dutch cabinet is reversing its controversial Box 3 tax overhaul after intense public and political backlash. Finance Minister Eelco Heinen acknowledged the proposed system is flawed, stating publicly that “something just didn’t go right” [6]. The reform, approved by the Tweede Kamer earlier this month, aimed to replace the fictional return model with taxation based on actual investment returns starting in 2028 [5]. However, widespread opposition has forced the government to reconsider before the Eerste Kamer votes [1][2].
backlash centers on unrealized gains rule
Criticism focused sharply on the proposal to tax unrealized capital gains annually. Investors holding equities, cryptocurrencies, or startup shares would face tax liabilities on paper profits without selling assets [2][5]. Financial institutions including ABN Amro warned this approach penalizes long-term investing [2]. International scrutiny intensified when figures like Elon Musk criticized the policy online, amplifying domestic concerns about damage to the Netherlands’ investment climate [2][7]. Startups specifically highlighted risks to employee share schemes under the planned rules [2].
senate scrutiny adds delay and doubt
The Eerste Kamer signaled it will not rush its evaluation despite government calls for urgency. Senators demand thorough technical briefings from the finance ministry and tax authorities before deciding [7]. Hearings involving economists, tax specialists, and entrepreneurs are being scheduled to assess potential impacts [7]. While the chamber faces no formal deadline, delaying approval risks prolonging the current transitional system which already costs the treasury approximately €2.3 billion annually [2][5]. Officials admit the current version lacks sufficient support to pass unchanged [1][6].
legal mandate clashes with practical design
The government must revise Box 3 taxation due to binding court rulings declaring the existing framework unlawful [2][5]. A temporary system now applies a hypothetical return rate, refundable if real performance falls short but not adjustable upward when markets rise [2]. Though designed as an interim solution until 2028, continued reliance drains state revenues significantly [2]. Heinen confirmed discussions with State Secretary Eelco Eerenberg about fundamental adjustments, though specific alternatives remain undeveloped [3][6]. Any replacement must satisfy legal requirements while gaining cross-chamber consensus [5][7].