Wage withholding tax facilities for the shipping industry

By means of independent studies, the KVNR has demonstrated that the system of wage withholding tax facilities for the shipping industry often is of far less benefit to shipowners in real terms than is legally intended. Compared to other European countries too, the benefits are much lower. Consequently, Dutch shipowners and Dutch seafarers have been placed at a competitive disadvantage. The Permanent Parliamentary Commission of the Ministry of Transport, Public Works and Water Management has reached this conclusion as well.
A joint study carried out by the ministries of Finance and Transport, Public Works and Water Management confirmed the KVNR’s findings. The ministries in question have also conceded that the improvements the KVNR has been urging for do comply with the European guidelines for maritime transport.
As in 2008, the Second Chamber of Parliament (the Permanent Parliamentary Commission of the Ministry of Finance) has been considering improvements to the wage withholding tax facilities for the shipping industry. No such improvements have materialised, however. The main obstacle appeared to be finding the additional money, needed for the improvements, in the national budget.