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Eigenwoningforfait: the home-ownership levy (2026)

In short

The eigenwoningforfait is a notional "income" the tax office adds to your Box 1 income simply for owning the home you live in. In 2026 it is 0.35% of the WOZ value for homes up to €1,350,000 (above that, €4,725 plus 2.35% on the excess). On a €400,000 WOZ that's €1,400 added to your taxable income — which then offsets part of your mortgage interest deduction.

How it's calculated

Take your WOZ value and multiply by 0.35% (the 2026 rate up to €1,350,000). That amount is added to your taxable income in Box 1. It isn't a bill you pay directly — it reduces the net benefit of your mortgage interest relief, because relief is calculated on your interest minus the forfait.

For most owners with a normal mortgage, the interest is far larger than the forfait, so you still get a net deduction. The calculator applies the forfait month by month against your interest before working out the relief.

Why it exists

The forfait is the flip side of mortgage interest relief: the state treats your home as producing a small taxable benefit, and in return lets you deduct the interest. If your mortgage is small or paid off, the Wet Hillen deduction steps in so you're not taxed on the forfait surplus — see that guide.

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Frequently asked

Do I pay the eigenwoningforfait as a separate bill?
No. It's added to your taxable income, not invoiced. Its practical effect is to shrink your net mortgage interest deduction slightly.
What is the 2026 rate?
0.35% of the WOZ value for homes up to €1,350,000. Above that threshold it's €4,725 plus 2.35% on the part over €1,350,000.
Does a renter pay this?
No. The eigenwoningforfait only applies to owner-occupiers. A renter has no forfait — one of the asymmetries the buy-vs-rent calculator counts.

Related guides

Startersvrijstelling: the first-time buyer exemptionOverdrachtsbelasting: Dutch transfer taxKosten koper (k.k.): the real cost of buyingHypotheekrenteaftrek: mortgage interest reliefNHG: the National Mortgage GuaranteeBox 3: Dutch wealth taxErfpacht: Dutch ground leaseWOZ value: the municipal valuationOZB: municipal property taxVvE: the owners' associationMortgage types: annuity, linear, interest-onlyWet Hillen: relief for a small or paid-off mortgageAankoopmakelaar: the buyer's agent
© 2026 Expatool · Educational, not financial or tax advice · 2026 Dutch tax rules.