coverage

Until January 1, 2022, it was possible to deduct your investment in coaching as educational costs from your income tax. Unfortunately, this scheme is no longer in place, nor are its successors, NL Leert Door (ended in May 2022) and the STAP-budget (ended in December 2023). Fortunately, there are still some other options available.

Professionals (in employment)

Through your employer

(Almost) every employer has a budget available for employee development. Sometimes this is arranged collectively (in the collective labor agreement) and sometimes by your employer individually. As an employee, you can claim this. Do you have an individual choice budget from your employer? You can use it for your coaching process. Ask your employer if they are willing to invest in your growth. Did you know that companies can receive subsidies that they can use for employee development? One example is the SLIM scheme for SMEs, agriculture, hospitality, and recreation sectors.

Would you like to ask your employer to contribute? In this blog, I share tips on how to approach the conversation.

Work Improvement Act (Wet Verbetering Poortwachter)

The Work Improvement Act aims to reduce long-term absenteeism. Coaching sessions often fit into a reintegration or career redirection process in this context. Discuss this with your occupational health physician.

Settlement Agreement (Vaststellingsovereenkomst)

A settlement agreement is a contract by which an employer and employee mutually agree to terminate the employment relationship. This often arises in the case of a reorganization or forced dismissal. Therefore, a settlement agreement is often negotiable. Coaching or guidance toward another job is often part of this process and can be included in your negotiation.

 

Entrepreneurs

In certain cases, coaching for entrepreneurs is deductible from income, corporate, and VAT taxes. The costs must be incurred in the interest of the business and relate to expanding existing knowledge. Unsure? Seek advice from a tax advisor or accountant.

Note: Entrepreneurs are subject to the business rate.