What happens after your objection?
Your objection letter is on its way. Here is what to expect next, step by step, and what you can still do yourself.
You receive a confirmation of receipt
The municipality or tax agency confirms in writing that your objection arrived, usually within two weeks. Hear nothing? Call to check it was received; that is what you kept the proof of posting for. An objection that never arrived legally does not exist.
The valuation report comes your way
Your letter requests the valuation report (taxatieverslag) of your home and the reference properties. Check the floor area, build year and comparison sales in it. Found errors? Send them as a supplement to your objection, quoting your case number.
Sometimes there is a hearing
Only if your letter asked to be heard will the municipality invite you; nowadays this is often by phone. You need no special skills: calmly explaining what you believe is wrong is enough, and you may send documents such as photos or an appraisal afterwards.
The decision: by the end of this calendar year
The municipality must in principle decide on your objection before the end of the calendar year; in practice the decision usually arrives within a few months. If the deadline is extended you are told in writing. The decision is a letter that lowers your value, upholds it or (rarely) raises it, with reasoning.
Upheld? The rest is automatic
If your value is lowered you receive a new decision, and the tax assessments based on the old value are reduced or refunded automatically, including the water authority levy. You do not need to apply for this; do verify the refund actually follows.
Rejected? You can appeal
If you disagree with the decision you can appeal to the court within six weeks. No lawyer is required and the court fee is a few tens of euros, refunded if you win. Weigh the effort against the stake: for a small difference, letting it rest can be the wiser choice, and next year you can object again.
Filed a pro-forma objection?
Then the deadline is secured, but you are not done. The municipality sets a period for you to supply your grounds; do so in time, or the objection is still declared inadmissible. Use the check on this site to complete your evidence.