Decisions, objections and debt
Bezwaar
Objection
What does Bezwaar mean?
Bezwaar is the formal objection you file against a government decision, such as a tax assessment, an allowance decision or a WOZ value. The deadline is 6 weeks, starting the day after the date on the decision. Objecting is free. The authority then reviews its own decision and must normally decide within 6 weeks, or 12 weeks if an advisory committee is involved, with one possible extension.
Key facts
| Deadline | 6 weeks (Awb article 6:7) |
| Cost | Free |
| Decision on objection | 6 weeks, or 12 with an advisory committee |
| Next step if rejected | Appeal (beroep) to the court |
What to do
- Check the deadline: 6 weeks from the day after the date on the decision.
- Write your objection with your name, address, date, a description or copy of the decision, and why you disagree. Sign it.
- File it where the decision says: often an online form (Mijn Belastingdienst, Mijn toeslagen, the gemeente website) or by post.
- Short on time? File a pro forma objection before the deadline and send the grounds later.
- If you owe money, ask for payment to be deferred while the objection is pending.
Worth knowing
If an objection bureau wins a WOZ or tax objection for you, the authority often pays their fee (proceskostenvergoeding). That is why some bureaus object for free. Doing it yourself is equally free and often just as quick.
Frequently asked questions
How long do I have to file a bezwaar?
6 weeks, starting the day after the date on the decision. For most decisions a late objection is only accepted if the delay was not your fault.
Can I write my bezwaar in English?
Dutch authorities are only required to handle Dutch. Many will accept a clear objection in English, but writing it in Dutch (or attaching a translation) avoids delay.
What happens if my bezwaar is rejected?
You receive a decision on the objection explaining why. You can then appeal to the administrative court, usually within another 6 weeks. Court fees apply at that stage.
Read next
- Beschikking: the decision you object to
- Filing your Dutch tax return
- Challenging your rent at the Huurcommissie
Official sources
More Dutch terms: decisions, objections and debt
Plain-English explanations of the words on your letters and contracts.