All you need to know about global tax refunds: news, facts and tips

When working in the Netherlands, everyone is required to have valid health insurance (Zorgverzekering). To reduce the financial burden of this obligation, the government offers the possibility to recover part of the paid contributions – this is known as Zorgtoeslag, or health insurance compensation. Who can receive this compensation? You may be eligible for Zorgtoeslag if you: worked and paid income tax in the Netherlands, were covered by mandatory health insurance, had annual income below the set limit (in 2024 – approximately €39,000 per person). The amount of compensation depends on your annual income and the insurance premiums paid. The lower your income, the higher the compensation. For example, in 2024 the maximum monthly benefit could reach around €154. Which documents are required? BSN number (personal tax number); Jaaropgave form from each employer; Copy of your health insurance policy or card; Certificate of income from your country of residence; Copy of your passport or national ID card. Deadline for applications All documents for the 2025 compensation must be submitted by 1 September 2026. To allow enough time for processing, it is recommended to submit your documents to RTTAX specialists by 15 August 2026. How long does the process take? The process of receiving the compensation usually takes 3–4 months from the submission of documents. The final decision timeline depends on the Dutch Tax Authority (Belastingdienst). How to claim the compensation? RTTAX specialists help prepare all required documents and submit the application through the Belastingdienst system. This helps avoid mistakes and ensures that the compensation is calculated correctly. Complete the registration form and receive a free consultation about your potential health insurance compensation. Note: The compensation amount and eligibility criteria may change each year. For the most accurate information, it is recommended to consult RTTAX specialists.

Although the United Kingdom remains one of the most popular work destinations, many people still do not know that they can claim back overpaid income tax. Below you will find the key information that will help you prepare for the UK tax refund process. 1. How far back can you claim UK tax refunds? You can usually claim a refund of overpaid income tax from the UK for the last 5 tax years. This means you can still submit a claim for previous periods, as long as the limitation period has not expired. 2. When does the UK tax year start and end? In the United Kingdom, the tax year runs from 6 April to 5 April of the following year. You can start the refund process even before the tax year ends — especially if you have already left the UK. If you plan to return to the UK in the same tax year, it is usually better to wait until the end of the tax year. 3. Which documents are required? To start the tax refund process, you should have at least one of the following documents: P45 and/or P60 forms (issued by your employer); If you do not have them – your payslips; Copy of your passport or national ID card; Your National Insurance number. If some documents are missing, RTTAX specialists can help obtain them directly from your employer or the UK tax authorities. 4. Tax refunds for self-employed workers If you worked as self-employed in the UK, you are required to submit a tax return every year. The deadline depends on how you file: Paper tax return: by 31 October; Online tax return: by 31 January of the following year. Late submissions may result in penalties starting from £100 and increasing monthly. If the return is not submitted for a full year, the fine can exceed £1,000. In such cases, it is worth contacting specialists, as some penalties may be reduced or cancelled. 5. How to start your UK tax refund If you worked in the United Kingdom and believe that you overpaid income tax, you can start the process online. Complete the registration form , upload the documents you have, and RTTAX specialists will assess your situation and help you submit your claim. You can also use our free tax refund calculator to find out whether you may be entitled to a refund and how much you could receive.

Denmark is one of the most socially advanced countries in Europe, placing strong focus on family welfare. One of the most important support measures is child benefit (Børne- og ungeydelse), designed to help parents cover children’s needs from birth until adulthood. Who Can Receive Child Benefits in Denmark? You may be eligible for child benefits if you: live or work in Denmark and are covered by the Danish social security system; take care of a child under the age of 18; have lived or worked in Denmark for at least 6 years during the last 10 years. If one parent works in Denmark while the child lives with the other parent in a country of the European Economic Area (EEA), you may still be eligible under EU social security coordination rules. Benefit Amounts and Payment Rules The amount of child benefit depends on the child’s age and the length of time the parents have lived or worked in Denmark. Benefits are usually paid quarterly or monthly until the child turns 18. The longer you have worked or lived in Denmark, the larger the portion of the full benefit you may receive. The full amount is reached after 6 years of work or residence in Denmark within the last 10 years. What Documents Are Required? To apply, you usually need to provide: employment contract or proof of employment in Denmark; child’s birth certificate (original or copy); personal identification document (passport or ID card); proof of residence or family status if one parent lives in another EEA country. Important Things to Know Benefits are administered by Udbetaling Danmark. You may be asked to provide additional documents if your family situation involves more than one country. Benefits can be claimed retroactively, but usually only for the previous 6 months. If you stop working in Denmark, you must inform the authorities, otherwise overpaid benefits may need to be repaid. How to Apply for Child Benefits in Denmark? The fastest way to apply is online. Complete the child benefits registration form, and our team will handle everything from document preparation to submission to Udbetaling Danmark. If you want to learn more about the process, visit t

If you have worked abroad, it is very likely that income tax was deducted from your salary. In some cases, more tax is paid than required, based on your income, working period, or available allowances. In such situations, an overpayment occurs and can be claimed back. To avoid guessing whether you are due a refund, we offer a free assessment of your situation. After registering, you provide basic details and we check whether a tax refund is possible and what documents may be required. This assessment is completely free of charge. When Is a Free Tax Assessment Useful? You worked abroad (for example, in Ireland, the United Kingdom, Germany, or Norway) and are not sure if you overpaid tax. You do not have all required documents (P45/P60, Jaaropgave, Årsoppgave, payslips, etc.). You changed employers or worked only part of the tax year. You later discovered that tax returns were not submitted or were submitted incorrectly. How Does the Process Work? Registration. Complete a short form and select the country where you worked. Situation review. We analyse the provided information and check if a tax refund is possible. Response. We inform you if an overpayment exists and which additional documents are needed. Service delivery. If you decide to continue, we manage the full refund process, from document preparation to payment. How Much Does It Cost? The assessment itself is completely free. A fee is charged only if your tax refund is successfully paid. You do not need to pay anything in advance. (Exception: Denmark) What Should You Prepare? A copy of your ID document (passport or ID card). Any available payslips or employer statements (if missing, we can help obtain them). Your foreign social security number (for example, PPS, NI, BSN, D-number). Register for a Free Tax Refund Assessment It takes only a few minutes. You will find out whether you can claim back overpaid tax and how much you may be entitled to. Register for a Free Assessment Note: This information is for general guidance only. Each person’s situation is different, so the list of documents and steps may be adjusted individually.

When planning to work abroad, it is important to evaluate not only salary levels but also overall quality of life, social security, tax systems, working conditions, and work–life balance. Every country has its own environment, and proper preparation helps avoid unexpected difficulties. Working Conditions and Quality of Life There are European countries where the labour market is stable and social protection is strong. In such countries, it is usually easier to plan finances and long-term living. These countries typically offer: low unemployment rates; strong employee protection and social guarantees; access to various benefits (for example, for children, illness, or unemployment); a healthy balance between work and personal life. Countries such as Norway, Germany, the Netherlands, Denmark, Austria, and Sweden are often known for good working conditions. Cultural and Practical Preparation Before moving to another country, it is useful to consider several important aspects: Language. Even basic language skills help you adapt faster at work and in everyday situations. Accommodation. Finding housing can be more difficult in some countries than it appears in advance. Tax system. Different countries have different tax rates, allowances, and declaration deadlines. Health insurance. It is important to know whether the system is public or private and when coverage starts. Financial reserve. When moving for the first time, it is recommended to have enough savings to cover several weeks of living costs. Why Taxes Should Not Be Forgotten When working abroad, income tax is deducted from your salary. However, overpayments often occur, and these can be refunded. This is a common and legal practice in many European countries. Tax overpayments usually occur because of: working only part of the tax year (for example, seasonal work); allowances that are not applied automatically; incorrect information submitted by employers; tax returns not submitted after the end of the tax year. The good news is that in many countries you can reclaim taxes for several previous years. The exact period depends on the country. How to Check If You Are Eligible for a Tax Refund The amount of overpaid tax depends on your personal situation, including your income, working period, country, and applicable allowances. That is why the first step is a simple and quick check. Check how much tax you could claim back

Kinderbijslag is a child benefit paid in the Netherlands to parents raising children under the age of 18. This financial support helps cover everyday costs and is one of the most important social benefits for families. The benefit is administered by the Social Insurance Bank (SVB). Who Can Receive the Benefit? The benefit can be claimed by both Dutch citizens and foreign nationals who work or pay taxes in the Netherlands. To qualify for child benefits, you usually need to: have a child under the age of 18; have worked or paid taxes in the Netherlands for at least 6 months; have an employer registered in the Netherlands that pays social security contributions. Benefit Amount The amount of the benefit depends on the child’s age and is paid quarterly. The exact amounts are set annually by the Dutch authorities and may change depending on economic conditions and government rules. If you already receive child benefits in another European Union country, the Dutch payment may be reduced accordingly. In most cases, only the difference between the two amounts is paid. What Documents Are Required? To apply for child benefits, you usually need to provide: copies of both parents’ passports or ID cards; a copy of the child’s birth certificate or identity document; marriage, divorce, or guardianship documents (if applicable); a bank statement confirming that the account belongs to one of the parents; employment contract or proof of social security contributions. Until When Can You Apply? Child benefits can usually be claimed for the previous 12 months. Applications for older periods are generally not accepted, so it is important to apply on time and submit all required documents. Useful Information Benefits are paid every three months, usually in January, April, July, and October. The SVB may request additional information about family situation or place of residence. If one parent lives in another EEA country, documents can usually be submitted remotely. More information about child benefits in the Netherlands and required documents can be found here: child benefits in the Netherlands.