Netherlands Proposes 36% Capital Gains Tax on Savings and Investments

The Dutch House of Representatives has approved a legislative proposal to impose a 36% capital gains tax on savings and most liquid investments, including cryptocurrencies. According to PANews, the proposal passed on February 13 with 93 votes, surpassing the required 75-vote threshold. The tax would apply to earnings from savings accounts, cryptocurrencies, most equity investments, and interest-bearing financial instruments, regardless of whether the assets are sold. Certain assets, such as startup equity and non-investment physical assets, would be exempt. The proposal still requires approval from the Dutch Senate before it can be enacted. If passed, the tax would take effect in the 2028 tax year. Critics argue that the legislation could drive capital to jurisdictions with more favorable tax policies. Investor calculations suggest that an individual investing 1,000 euros monthly over 40 years would see their final returns decrease from 3.32 million euros to 1.885 million euros under the 36% tax rate, a difference of 1.435 million euros.