The tax plans for 2022 do not alter the way income tax is levied on income from savings and investments (Box 3). That will be left to the new government. Savings private limited companies will therefore remain in operation for at least another year.
When is it not included in Box 3?
Whether it is more advantageous to have income taxed under Box 3 rather than under Box 1 or 2 depends on the returns achieved. The higher the actual return, the sooner it becomes worthwhile to “move away” from Box 3.
This has happened on a massive scale in recent years. Mainly by transferring assets into a (savings) private limited company. And, to some extent, via open-ended mutual funds. These legal structures may remain in place in 2022, unless returns are set to be substantially higher.
Anyone who is still paying tax under Box 3 would be well advised to consider lodging an objection to the tax assessments received from the Tax and Customs Administration in order to preserve their rights. Every year, the lawfulness of the tax levied is brought before the tax courts in test cases. See our article Lodging an objection to Box 3 for 2020 as well.
Flat returns
The flat-rate returns for 2022 have now been announced. They do not differ substantially from those for 2021: they are slightly lower.
The tax-free allowance is being increased (indexed) from €50,000 to €50,650. These amounts apply per taxpayer. A lower tax-free allowance applies for the means test for healthcare and housing benefit.
The flat-rate returns are as follows:
| 2021 | 2022 | |
| Saving | 0,03% | -0,01% |
| Investing | 5,69% | 5,53% |
The income thresholds for the return categories have also been adjusted in line with indexation. The asset mix remains unchanged:
| Income (after tax-free allowance) | |||
| more than | no more than | saving | investing |
| 0 | 50.650 | 67% | 33% |
| 50.650 | 962.350 | 21% | 79% |
| 962.350 | - | 0% | 100% |
The rate remains unchanged: 31%.