Entrepreneurship during lockdown: Support regulations per December 15th

The lockdown that was announced on the 14th of December has big consequences for many entrepreneurs. Prime minister Rutte promised that the Dutch government will meet their needs in the best way possible. But what does that mean in practise? We’ll list the most important support regulations here.

**Update February 2021: in 2021 the Dutch government has taken additional steps to support entrepreneurs. Read more about the most recent measures on the Dutch governmental website for English speaking entrepreneurs.** 

Extension NOW

Due to the new lockdown, the application period for NOW support is extended from December 15th until December 27th. Employers can use NOW support to (partly) cover salary expenses for their employees for a period of three months. You can apply for NOW if you have a revenue loss of at least 20%. Go to the website of the UWV (the Dutch governmental Employee Insurance Agency) if you want need NOW support for your loan expenses. Here you can apply. Unfortunately the application is only in Dutch, but you can contact the UWV (tel: +31 (0)88 - 898 92 95) or a financial advisor for support.

Adjustment TVL (Reimbursement fixed charges)

Shortly before the lockdown, on the 9th of December, an adjustment of the TVL was announced. The percentage of subsidy in the covering of fixed expenses for entrepreneurs is set on 50 till 70% in the final quarter of 2020 and the first quarter of 2021. You find information about TVL in English at RVO.nl. This is also where you can apply for the reimbursement.

Applying for TOZO

Self-employed proffesionals that suffer from the lockdown can temporarily bridge expenses with the already existing Tozo 3 regulation. When your income is below the social minimum, Tozo can provides you with income for household expenses. You can apply for Tozo at the township you live in. Read more about Tozo in English at the website of the Dutch government

Good to know

Finally, tax measures can also create some financial relief if you are an entrepreneur suffering from the lockdown. Until the 31st of March, 2021 you are allowed to apply for an exceptional deferral of tax expenses (like VAT, salary tax, et cetera) . Also, if you make less profit than expected, you can pay less taxes right away by adjusting your provisional assessment. Read more about tax payment extensions and repayments here.