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Salary and tax

Gross to net salary in 2026: what do you keep?

Use this guide when you want to understand why gross salary does not land in your bank account as-is. In the Netherlands, tax bands, tax credits, pension deductions and any expat benefit together determine the net figure.

Lees eerst de gids, open daarna de calculator die je eigen scenario het best test.

Bereken je eigen scenario: Gross to net salary

3 official sources3 calculator linksDutch tax year 2026

Rules/data period: Dutch tax year 2026

Last reviewed: 23/07/2026

FocusSalary and tax
Sources3 official links
Related calculators3 direct links
Review date23/07/2026

What changes your net pay?

The main variables are your gross salary, the way withholding tax is applied, pension deductions and whether a tax credit is switched on. Without those pieces, a result may be directionally right but not decision-ready.

For expats, the 30% ruling can materially change the outcome. That is why the Dutch route should remain primary and the English route should stay secondary so the locale context does not disappear.

How to use the calculator wisely

Compare the result with your payslip and pay attention to monthly versus annual deductions. Use the gross-to-net calculator as the first step, then open the linked tools if you want to test a different tax assumption.

If you are deciding between a salary increase, extra pension contribution or a new role, the question is not only what you keep. It is also which part of your pay structure changes the next decision most.

FAQ

Veelgestelde vragen

Korte antwoorden eerst. Open de vraag voor de toelichting.

Why is my net pay lower than expected?

Because tax, pension and other deductions are applied before the amount reaches your bank account.

Does the 30% ruling matter here?

Yes. For eligible expats it can materially change the result and should be tested explicitly.

Which tool should I use next?

Use the tax credit or pension tools next if you want to isolate the biggest change.

Sources

Externe links openen de officiële bron die voor deze gids is gebruikt.

Important: This is a general estimate, not payroll or tax advice. Check your payslip and official sources before making a decision.
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