VAT & Administration

Choosing the Right Bookkeeping Software in the Netherlands (2026)

Updated: 2026-05-27 Holdwise editorial team Bookkeeping Software Administration

With good bookkeeping software, you do your administration in much less time. You make invoices and record your costs in it, and it often prepares the VAT return for you. The right package depends mostly on the size of your business. A solo freelancer needs far less than a BV with stock and staff. At Holdwise, we updated this answer on 27 May 2026 and change it when the rules change.

Why software works better than a spreadsheet

You are allowed to keep your books in a spreadsheet. With software you save time and make fewer mistakes. The software numbers your invoices correctly, calculates the VAT, links to your bank and prepares the VAT return. Most entrepreneurs earn back the monthly cost quickly.

Which features you need

Invoicing: invoices that meet the legal requirements, with the right VAT on them.
Bank link: the software imports your transactions automatically, so you can match them quickly.
VAT return support: the package works out the figures for your BTW-aangifte, the Dutch VAT return.
Receipt capture: photograph a receipt and attach it to the booking.
Accountant access: your accountant logs in to the same file.

Types of packages Dutch entrepreneurs use

Simple packages: clear and easy to use, much used by freelancers.
Budget packages: low in price and with a lot of functions.
Compact packages: a small set of functions, largely automatic.
Full business packages: more extensive, aimed at larger or growing businesses.

Bookkeeping software in English

Most Dutch packages are in Dutch, which is awkward if you are unable to read Dutch. A few have an English interface, and others are easy enough to work with anyway. An international invoicing app is an option too. Check in that case that it handles Dutch VAT correctly and makes invoices that meet the Dutch requirements.

How to make the choice

Match the package to the size of your business. A solo freelancer needs invoicing and VAT support and little else. A growing BV (besloten vennootschap, the Dutch private limited company) with stock and staff needs more than that. Most packages have a free trial period, so try one or two before you decide.

You keep the ledger in the software. Someone still has to file the tax returns and the annual accounts. If you want someone else to do this, see bookkeeping and administration for a Dutch BV.

Every quarter and every year, a Dutch company keeps records and files returns. What does it cost to hand this work over? See bookkeeping in the Netherlands for owners abroad.

Where to read more

Free advice

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We take care of your bookkeeping, VAT returns and annual accounts. Tell us where you stand or what you are planning. You get free advice on your next step.

Part of Doing Business in the Netherlands, the complete 2026 guide.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need bookkeeping software? +

The law leaves this choice to you. Software does save time and helps you avoid mistakes, and it prepares your VAT return. For most entrepreneurs, the small monthly cost is worth it.

Is there bookkeeping software in English? +

A few Dutch packages have an English interface, and others are easy enough to work with anyway. Whatever you choose, check that it handles Dutch VAT correctly and makes invoices that meet the Dutch requirements.

Can my accountant use the same software? +

Usually yes. In most packages your accountant can log in to the same file. The annual return then takes less time and costs less.

Sources Belastingdienst · KVK · wetten.overheid.nl Last updated: 2026-05-27