Which regulations can you use when setting up your home workspace?

Did you know that a good workspace contributes to productivity and well-being? And what if we told you there are subsidies, tax benefits, and programs that can financially support you in setting up your #perfectdesk? In this blog post, we discuss some valuable programs you can take advantage of. Buckle up, because it might be a bit of a tough read, full of those tax jargons that will give you goosebumps. But keep the goal in mind; there might just be a financial benefit to setting up your workspace ;-).

Subsidies and regulations for setting up your workplace

Tax benefits for entrepreneurs

Are you self-employed or do you work from home? Then there are tax benefits you can take advantage of (does a little dance). Costs for furnishing your workplace, such as ergonomic furniture and equipment, are often tax-deductible. This varies from year to year and from topic to topic. It applies to both freelancers and companies investing in a healthy workplace for their employees. You can find more information from the Dutch Tax and Customs Administration about the deductibility of business expenses, for example, here.

Work Cost Scheme (WKR)

The Work Costs Scheme (WKR) offers employers the option of reimbursing certain employee expenses tax-free. These include the purchase of an ergonomic office chair, a good desk, or other office supplies. Within the WKR, employers can reimburse up to 1.92% of the total payroll tax-free. This is an ideal way to help employees set up a home workspace. More information about the WKR can be found on the Dutch government website.

Occupational Health and Safety Legislation: Employer Obligations

Under the Dutch Working Conditions Act (Arbowet), employers are required to provide a healthy and safe workplace, both at the office and at home. This means employers must invest in ergonomic furniture and equipment to prevent physical complaints. Employers can often deduct these costs from their taxes, and it contributes to a responsible design of the home workplace. Read more about employers' responsibilities under the Dutch Working Conditions Act regarding workplace design.

Energy Investment Allowance (EIA)

Are you an entrepreneur looking to invest in a sustainable home office? The Energy Investment Deduction (EIA) offers an attractive tax benefit for energy-saving investments, such as energy-efficient laptops, lighting, or climate control systems. Up to 45.5% of the investment costs are deductible from your profit, which can result in significant savings. More information about the EIA scheme can be found at the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO.nl) here.

Local subsidies and regulations

Some municipalities offer additional financial support for making homes or workplaces more sustainable. This can range from subsidies for energy-saving measures to grants for purchasing sustainable furniture. Contact your municipality for current local programs or visit the Duurzaam Bouwloket website to discover which subsidies are available in your region.

Conclusion

Setting up a home office can be an investment, but with the right programs and subsidies, you can save (sometimes even significantly). Whether you're an employer, employee, or self-employed, there are numerous ways to reap financial benefits from creating a healthy, sustainable workplace. Take the time to explore the options and take advantage of the benefits these programs offer!