Netherlands Considers Tax on Unrealized Gains Amid Concerns of Capital Flight

The Netherlands is contemplating a new tax policy that would impose levies on unrealized capital gains across various investments, including stocks, bonds, and cryptocurrencies. According to Cointelegraph, this proposal has raised alarms about potential capital flight from the country. A majority of Dutch lawmakers are poised to support modifications to the Box 3 asset tax regime, which would mandate annual taxes on both realized and unrealized gains, regardless of whether the assets have been sold. This move comes after court decisions invalidated the current system for relying on assumed returns rather than actual ones. The Tweede Kamer, or House of Representatives, revisited the proposal this week, with caretaker State Secretary for Taxation Eugène Heijnen fielding over 130 questions. Despite recognizing the plan's shortcomings, most lawmakers are inclined to endorse it, citing an estimated loss of 2.3 billion euros ($2.7 billion) annually if implementation is postponed. Under the proposed changes, investors in equities, bonds, and cryptocurrencies would face annual taxes on paper gains. Heijnen reportedly informed parliament that taxing only realized returns would be ideal but is deemed unfeasible by the government until 2028. With public finances strained, further delays have been ruled out. Several political parties, including the People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD), Christian Democratic Appeal (CDA), JA21 (Right Answer 2021), and Farmer–Citizen Movement (BBB) Party for Freedom (PVV), are anticipated to support the bill. Left-leaning parties such as Democrats 66 (D66) and GreenLeft–Labour Party (GroenLinks–PvdA) also favor the changes, arguing that taxing unrealized gains is easier to manage and prevents significant budget deficits. The revised Box 3 system would be more advantageous for real estate investors, permitting deductions for costs and taxation only upon realizing profits, although second homes would incur an additional levy for personal use. The tax proposal has sparked significant criticism from investors and figures in the crypto community, who caution that the measure could hasten capital flight. Notable Dutch crypto analyst Michaël van de Poppe labeled the plan as "insane," asserting it would substantially increase annual tax burdens and drive residents to leave the country. "No wonder people are leaving the country, and to be fair, it's completely right to do so," he commented. Another user likened taxes on unrealized gains and wealth to historical events such as the Boston Tea Party, Reign of Terror, or Bolshevik moment.