Tax-Returns

Remember that this years deadline for submitting your electronic tax-return is almost upon-us (April 1st). If you miss this you will need to submit a paper return, and you could be fined.

You need:
Your Jaaropgave(s)
A statement of interest from your bank account (for 01.01.2011 - 31.12.2011)
Details of any pensions, incomes, expenses etc.

Most people can complete this themselves directly online, however if you are in doubt contact a tax adviser now!

Expat EBook

If you are new to the Netherlands and looking for help settling-in and finding your way around then I can recommend this ebook: http://www.e-junkie.com/ExpatBuddy-eBooks/product/473891.php#Expat+Providers+|+the+Netherlands+eBook

It is only €7.50 and available direct from the site.

Expat education fair

The fair will be held at the Hotel Krasnapolsky in Dam-Sqaure; Amsterdam, on Saturday 24 March. The fair is open from 14:00 to 18:00. Entrance is free but tickets must be ordered online at:

http://www.expatica.com/NL_educationfair/?utm_source=What%27s+on+NL&utm_campaign=9c82dbdc7c-1stmailing_previousvisitors_Edu_fair_02_02_2012&utm_medium=email

Dapperstraat Market (Dappermarkt)

Everyone has heard of the Albert Cuypt Market in Amsterdam, however there is a quieter alternative in the east of the city. To reach the Dapperstraat take any Metro from Amsterdam-Centraal to the Weesperlein and then change to tram-7 (Dapperstraat). You can also take a train to Amsterdam Muiderpoort.

http://www.dappermarkt.nl/

There are also many other markets in the Netherlands and details can be found here: http://www.hollandsemarkten.nl/

Reforms to the healthcare system

Every year the Dutch government reviews the items that have to be included in the statutory basic healthcare package, and this means that regardless of your level of insurance, you are entitled to these healthcare items. For details of this list see: http://www.verzekeringssite.nl/

Dentistry is also changing and providers have to publish their charges up-front so that you can estimate how much a treatment will cost, and choose your provider accordingly. The idea is that if one dentist charges €1000 for a crown, and everyone else charges €500, you can see this immediately, and decide if the extra charge can be justified by a difference in the treatment you may receive.

Be very careful that  you are correctly and adequately insured from day-one of your stay in NL as mistakes can be costly, and the government is cracking down on those who seek to avoid paying for insurance. You will also most likely find that international schemes are not valid, and cannot be used as an excuse for avoiding payment into these schemes!

Something for the kids

If you have small children and are stuck for something different to do that does not cost the earth then why not spend a days in the woods? The Amsterdamse Bos is fewer than 10km from the city centre and close to the A9.

There are lots of great things to there including walking and cycling, but my favourite place for kids is: http://www.geitenboerderij.nl/

Expats Exhibition

For anyone who is in Amsterdam on 23rd October you should check out this exhibition as it is a great resource for ex-pats and those looking to settle here in the Netherlands: http://www.expatica.com/iamnotatourist/