Senate discusses speeding up new box 3 system
The cabinet wants to move faster towards taxing realised capital gains, but the Senate is calling for practicality and public support.
The Senate’s financial affairs committee held talks on Monday evening with Minister Heinen and State Secretary Eerenberg about the future of box 3. The cabinet wants to amend the existing bill so that a greater share of the tax is based on capital gains.
The talks concerned the Taxation of Actual Returns on Box 3 Act, which is already before the Senate. The Senate had invited the ministers after the cabinet asked for consideration to be put on hold for the time being. According to the Senate, time is needed to discuss the further adjustment of the system with parliament.
On Friday, after the Council of Ministers, Prime Minister Jetten said that through a supplementary bill the cabinet wants to bring as much income as possible under a capital gains tax. This would mean tax is levied when an investment or other asset is sold at a profit. This differs from a tax on capital growth, under which unrealised increases in value may also be counted each year.
The current bill combines different methods. For some assets, increases in value would be taxed annually, while for others tax would be levied upon sale. According to the official timeline, the cabinet is examining what adjustments are needed to move towards a full capital gains tax in the longer term.
The debate affects savers, investors, landlords and the Tax and Customs Administration. Tax upon sale can prevent someone from having to pay tax on an increase in value without any money having been released. At the same time, tax deferral may arise, and implementation becomes more complicated when assets change hands several times or are contributed at different values.
The government is aiming to introduce the new box 3 system in 2028. That timetable is not yet a guarantee that all political and technical choices have been made. The Senate does not have the right to amend a bill itself, but it can adopt or reject the proposal and can put pressure on the government through questions and conditions.
The precise outcome of Monday’s talks had not yet been published as a formal decision when this edition went to press. It is clear, however, that the cabinet wants to examine a change of course towards more capital gains taxation and that the Senate does not want to continue consideration without further explanation.
One story, several perspectives
What is established
- The cabinet wants to amend the bill for box 3.
- The Senate has put consideration on hold for further talks.
- According to the cabinet’s planning, the intended new system is due to enter into force in 2028.
- The precise form and timetable are still the subject of political decision-making.
Left
Arguments Tax wealth in a way that better reflects people’s actual ability to pay, and prevent small savers or people with low returns from being treated in the same way as those with substantial wealth.
Values Fair distribution, ability to pay and protection for households with little scope to avoid tax.
Consequences A careful transition could strengthen legal redress, but a complicated system could make implementation and compliance more burdensome for citizens.
Centre
Arguments A new system must be legally robust, workable and predictable. Broad political support matters more than a rapid announcement.
Values Legal certainty, reliable government and practical feasibility.
Consequences Delay may prolong uncertainty, but a rushed introduction could cause new errors and remedial operations.
Right
Arguments Taxing unrealised increases in value is unreasonable and can force people to sell assets. The government should keep the tax base simple and avoid discouraging saving and investment.
Values Property rights, economic freedom and limited government.
Consequences A capital gains tax could reduce liquidity problems, but could make revenue for the state later and less predictable.
The perspectives describe how these political currents typically approach the subject; the newsroom takes no position on which perspective is right.
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The article’s central points are based directly on the Senate’s and the cabinet’s agendas and communications. The text clearly distinguishes between cabinet intentions and formal decisions.
- confirmed The Senate’s financial affairs committee held talks on 5 October with Minister Heinen and State Secretary Eerenberg about box 3. — Announced by the Senate. source
- confirmed Through a supplementary bill, the cabinet wants as much income as possible to fall under a capital gains tax. — From the Prime Minister’s official statement. source
- confirmed The cabinet is working towards introducing a new box 3 system in 2028. — Mentioned in the official timeline. source
Editor's note
It is certain that the Senate held talks with the ministers on Monday and that the cabinet wants to move towards more capital gains taxation. No formal Senate decision on speeding up the process was available at the time of publication.Sources
- Mondeling overleg over box 3 — Eerste Kamer
- Letterlijke tekst persconferentie na ministerraad van 2 oktober 2026 — Rijksoverheid
- Tijdlijn Wet werkelijk rendement box 3 — Rijksoverheid
More on this in Dutch media
- NRC — „box 3”
- NU.nl — „box 3”
- De Telegraaf — „box 3”