Liability: the biggest difference
In a VOF every partner is jointly and severally liable for the partnership’s debts — a VOF bankruptcy reaches private assets. In a BV, liability stays limited to the BV’s own assets.
Tax: BV versus VOF
A VOF is fiscally transparent: profit splits across the partners and is taxed with them in box 1. A BV pays corporate tax independently. At profits up to €80,000 per partner the VOF usually wins through the self-employed deduction and the SME profit exemption; at higher profits the BV wins through the lower corporate rate.
Costs of setting up and running
| VOF | BV | |
|---|---|---|
| Notary required | Optional | Yes |
| KVK registration | €85.15 | €85.15 per BV |
| Filing annual accounts | Only when large | Yes |
| Accounting per year | €500–1,500 | €2,000–5,000 |
From VOF to BV: when to switch
Profits climbing past €80,000 per partner make the BV structure the logical next step, via silent or taxed contribution of the VOF into a BV. The tipping point in detail: BV versus VOF break-even in 2026. Last verified: 19 July 2026.
The neighbouring questions
In the same direction: BV vs. Sole Trader and Converting a Sole Trader to a BV in 2026.