Budget Day 2023: What will change for you?
On Prinsjesdag, traditionally the third Tuesday of September, the Dutch government announces its plans for the coming year. This year is different than usual. The government is outgoing, which means that certain topics have been declared controversial. Here are the main points:
Higher tax rate for savings and investments
The wealth tax in Box 3 is being reformed to better reflect actual income from savings and investments. The new system is likely to take effect in 2027, but there are interim measures.
Elimination of expanded home equity gift exemption
The tax allowance for home purchase or remodeling support for people between the ages of 18 and 40 will be abolished in 2024.
Care
The health care premium will rise again in 2024. It has been calculated that the approximate increase will amount to about 12 euros per month for the basic insurance. This will bring the nominal health care premium to almost 150 per month. The main reasons for the premium increase is mainly due to:
- Inflation and aging
- The increase in chronically ill people
- Higher salaries in healthcare sector
Ultimately, it is up to the health insurers whether and to what extent their health care premiums will increase. Next year, too, a difference is expected between the various insurers.
What will change in the basic package in 2024:
Fall Prevention
Falls among the elderly are a growing problem in our society. Statistics show that 105,000 over-65s report to the emergency room each year after a fall. The consequences are often severe, resulting in long-term rehabilitation and reduced independence. In 2020 alone, this cost our society more than 1 billion euros.
To reverse this worrisome trend, fall prevention will be included in the basic package starting in 2024. Elderly people will be able to follow a special training program designed to prevent fall accidents. Research shows that these trainings significantly reduce the risk of falling, and this initiative will play an important role in the well-being of our elderly.
Maternity care: longer period of reimbursement
Maternity care is a crucial aspect of newborn and maternal care. Currently, maternity care is reimbursed from the basic insurance for a period of minimum 24 to maximum 80 hours, up to 10 days after birth. We have good news for expectant mothers: this period will be extended to six weeks.
This change means not only that maternity care will continue to be available, but also that flexibility will be increased. Maternity care providers can better tailor care to the needs of families, whether it's more visits in the first few days or support after the 10-day period. The hourly co-payment will remain as it is now after the six-week extension.
Recovery from Long Covid: Extended coverage
For those who experience long-term symptoms after Covid-19 infection, such as fatigue, shortness of breath and pain, there is positive news. From basic coverage, needed care for Long Covid patients will be reimbursed, and this coverage will be extended until at least Jan. 1, 2025.
This means that people who are or will be affected by Long Covid can therefore continue to receive paramedical care, such as physical therapy, exercise therapy, occupational therapy, dietetics and speech therapy, in 2024. The primary care physician or medical specialist will determine who is eligible for this
Energy price cap disappears
The energy price cap will disappear in 2024, leaving households unprotected from rising energy prices. However, there will be an emergency fund for households with lower incomes and high energy bills.
Income support for lower and middle income earners
The cabinet wants to allocate two billion euros for purchasing power improvement and poverty alleviation, including by increasing rent allowance and employment tax credit.
Increase in minimum hourly wage
The minimum hourly wage will be adjusted for inflation, and employers will be required to pay it starting in 2024.
AOW benefit
The state pension benefit will have to rise to keep pace with rising wages and inflation.
Abolition of STAP budget
The STAP budget, a subsidy for (re)training, will be abolished. Something else may take its place.
Mortgage interest deduction and owner-occupied house lump sum
It looks at adjustments to the mortgage interest deduction and the owner-occupied home tax credit.
Recovery interest on tax assessment increases
Recovery interest for tax assessments goes back up to the old rate of 4 percent.
Increase in travel allowance
The untaxed travel allowance goes up to 0.23 cents per kilometer.
No changes to company car addition
The company car addition rate will remain the same in 2024.
Own risk
Own risk will remain at €385 in 2024.
Increase in fuel taxes
Excise taxes on fuel are likely to rise from January 2024.
These measures will affect your personal finances in 2024. More details will be released in the coming days.
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