Decisions, objections and debt
Dwangbevel
Enforcement order
What does Dwangbevel mean?
A dwangbevel is an enforcement order a government body such as the Belastingdienst can issue after an unpaid aanmaning. It is served by a (tax) bailiff and gives you 2 days from its date to pay. It adds costs of at least €56 and at most €16,524, depending on the debt. If you do not pay, the authority can seize your bank account, wages, benefits or property without going to court.
Key facts
| Time to pay | 2 days from the date on the dwangbevel |
| Costs (Belastingdienst) | €56 minimum, €16,524 maximum |
| Example | €2,000 debt: €271 dwangbevel costs, plus €22 aanmaning |
| If unpaid | Seizure of bank account, wages, benefits or property |
What to do
- Pay within 2 days of the date on the dwangbevel. If it is served on a Friday, you have until Monday.
- If you cannot pay, call the sender immediately (the BelastingTelefoon on 0800-0543 for tax) and ask for a payment plan or deferral.
- Check whether the underlying debt is correct. If you objected earlier and asked for deferral, say so.
- Keep proof of any payment. You have only paid once the money has arrived in their account.
- If debts are piling up, contact your gemeente's free debt help (schuldhulpverlening).
Worth knowing
A dwangbevel works like a court judgment even though no judge was involved. The costs are highest here, so if you know a payment will be late, call before it reaches this stage.
Frequently asked questions
How long do I have to pay a dwangbevel?
2 days from the date on the dwangbevel. If it is served on a Friday, you have until the following Monday.
How much does a dwangbevel cost?
For the Belastingdienst, between €56 and €16,524 on top of the debt and the aanmaning costs, depending on the amount owed. On a €2,000 debt the dwangbevel adds €271.
Can I still get a payment plan after a dwangbevel?
Often yes, but call immediately. The Belastingdienst advises contacting the BelastingTelefoon as soon as possible to arrange payment or deferral and avoid seizure costs.
Read next
Official sources
More Dutch terms: decisions, objections and debt
Plain-English explanations of the words on your letters and contracts.