Paintwork and VAT, how does that work?

As with many other services and products, VAT is also paid on paintwork. However, it is not entirely clear to everyone how this works exactly. That is why we would like to explain to you.

VAT on paintwork

A low VAT rate of 9 percent applies to paintwork. This quickly saves you hundreds of euros on hiring a painter. This low VAT rate of 9 percent applies to houses older than two years. Amongst other things, this includes the preparation work, the pre-treatment, painting materials, the paint products themselves and the labor costs of the painter(s). Painting activities that differ too much from the actual paintwork, fall under the 21 percent VAT rate. This applies, for example, to the replacement of window frames, windows and doors.

Is there a difference between a business and private costumer?

Yes, there is a difference between the VAT rate for business and private costumers. Private individuals benefit from the 9 percent rate, but this is not the case for companies. They simply pay 21 percent VAT. Owners associations (Vereniging van Eigenaren) do not fall under that regulation and pay 9 percent VAT on paintwork.

Subsidies and tax advantages

Have you taken out a loan to improve your home? In that case you can subtract the interest on the loan from your income tax. The costs of the maintenance painting itself are not tax deductible. However, interior and outdoor painting is tax-deductible if it concerns a listed monument.

Increased VAT

As of January 2018, a favorable reduction of the VAT rate on paintwork from 21 to 6 percent was implemented. Since 1 January 2019, the VAT rate increased from 6 to 9 percent. This is still a considerably more favorable rate than the 21% VAT that companies have to pay for paintwork. Currently there are no other subsidies possible, this VAT rate however benefits private individuals by hundreds of euros.

Working with a painter for your paintjob

Thanks to the favorable VAT rate it is possible to save a lot of money on your paintwork. That is why it’s so valuable to work with our company when it comes to your paintwork. We are experienced and always deliver paintwork within a short period of time. Make an appointment with our company and profit directly from our attractive prices.