Tax relief on green investments
It goes without saying that the main aim of investing is to make a healthy return. But you might want your money to make a positive impact on the world, too. To help you, the Dutch government is offering tax relief on green investments and savings accounts in 2026. However, this tax relief will be close to zero after 2027 and completely phased out in 2028. If you want to claim tax relief in 2026, have a look at our tips.
What are green investments?
If you make a green investment (or deposit into a green savings account), you invest in funds and banks that participate in sustainable projects. These projects take place at a national or international level, focusing on aspects like environmental conservation or improving working conditions.
Not all sustainable investment funds on the market qualify for additional tax relief. You can only claim tax relief on your green savings account or investment if it has been issued a ‘groenverklaring’ (green declaration) by the Dutch government.
The Dutch government is phasing out tax relief on green investments, removing one of the last green investment options. However, you can still open a green savings account and claim tax relief in 2026.
What is the personal allowance for green savings and investments?
For 2026, the Dutch government has set a personal allowance on which you pay no tax for green savings accounts and green investments in box 3. This allowance is €26,715 (€53,430 for tax partners) for 2026. You only pay tax on the value of your green investments or green savings above that threshold. The personal allowance for ‘ordinary’ savings accounts and investments is €51,396 (€102,792 for tax partners) in 2026. All savings and investments above that threshold are used to calculate your box 3 income tax.
This tax relief applies to the amount of the green investments or savings you have on 1 January 2026. So it’s important that you already have the savings or investments before 1 January 2026.
How does the personal allowance work?
In your tax return, first deduct your personal allowance from your green investments. If you haven’t used up all of your personal allowance, deduct the remaining part from your green savings. Your personal allowance is never more than the total value of your green investments and green savings. If you make a green investment after 1 January 2026, it doesn’t count towards your personal allowance for 2026.
However, depositing into a green savings account can still save you some tax, as you’ll be eligible for a tax credit on your overall box 3 income tax. This tax deduction amounts to 0.1% of your green investment and savings allowance.
How much tax relief can you claim on green investments and green savings accounts?
Table 1 below shows a calculation of the maximum tax relief you can claim based on the rates and personal allowances for 2026. Some figures are estimates; the final figures will be confirmed after 2026.
If you have no tax partner, you can claim back up to €165 on your green savings (€330 for tax partners). And of course, you’ll also need to add interest on savings.
End of green tax relief in 2028
Sadly, the Dutch government has been steadily cutting tax relief on green investments and savings. The personal allowance will be capped at €200 (€400 for tax partners) in 2027 and scrapped from 2028 onwards.
What about the interest or return on green savings and investments?
The return on sustainable investments varies considerably from fund to fund. You need to make sure investing is right for you. The interest on green savings accounts, such as our Green Savings Deposit, is often higher than the interest on ordinary savings accounts. This higher interest rate plus the additional tax relief makes sustainable investments appealing.
Conclusion
Your tax savings depend on your personal circumstances, how much you invest, and whether your investments or savings are green. Some tax relief will be available in 2026 and will be scrapped after that. But whatever your situation, you still profit – all while making a positive impact on the environment and society.
You should only invest money that you don’t need, after you’ve set aside a buffer for unforeseen expenses. While investing can be profitable, it also involves risk. You could lose all or part of your initial investment.
