In The Hague, 1,713 people divorced in 2024, making The Hague one of the three municipalities with the highest number of divorces last year, according to recent figures from Statistics Netherlands (CBS).
A divorce also has consequences for your tax affairs. Therefore, the Belastingdienst (Tax office) is offering tips below to help you manage your taxes effectively. This will help you stay on top of your finances after the divorce.
Start with the divorce checklist If you and your partner are separating, there are many things to consider. By completing the personal Belastingdienst divorce checklist (in Dutch) you’ll see which tax matters you need to arrange in your situation, such as changing your address and arranging for possible alimony and allowances.
You’ll also find explanations about filing your income tax return for the year of your divorce. You can file one more joint tax return as tax partners. This can be advantageous because it allows you to divide your income and deductions favorably in your tax return one last time. Filing the tax return together online at My Tax Authorities is the easiest option, as it reduces the risk of errors. You can, of course, also file separately.
Request a provisional assessment (or adjust it) Your financial situation is likely to change if you get divorced or end your registered partnership. To get a handle on your tax affairs, it might be wise to request a provisional assessment. You can do this through My Tax Administration. If, after filing the provisional assessment, you find out you’re entitled to a refund, you can receive this amount monthly. And if it turns out you owe a large amount, you can pay it in installments, instead of paying it later after filing your income tax return. This way, you stay on top of your finances.
Do you already have a provisional assessment? Adjust it to reflect your new situation. This way, you won’t encounter any surprises.
Make financial agreements and record them Financial agreements can be documented in a divorce settlement, for example. This settlement includes agreements on potential alimony and mortgage interest payments. When documenting these agreements, also consider any implications for your taxes and benefits. This will prevent future surprises. Tip: If possible, consult a financial advisor to ensure everything is in order.
Want to know more? Or need help? For the divorce checklist and more information, please visit belastingdienst.nl/scheiden . Having trouble? Visit one of the support centers in your area or ask your question online or by phone. For more information, visit belastingdienst.nl/contact .This information is currently only available in Dutch.
On Wednesday 24 September, international residents were invited to Edith Stein College to learn more about how the Hague City Council works and how they can engage and participate.
This fully-booked event, called Meet Your City Council, was conducted in English and tailored specifically for The Hague’s international community. After welcome remarks by organisers Andrew van Esch and Maarten De Vuyst stressing the importance of participation, attendees began with a knowledge quiz to test and expand their understanding of municipal government.
The main part of the evening was a “speed date” session, where council members rotated among small groups. In these rotations, people were invited to ask questions, express concerns, and exchange ideas about their neighbourhoods and the city as a whole.
The principal of Edith Stein College, Bram van Welie, addressed the gathering with a speech on diversity—an especially relevant contribution given the school’s highly multicultural character, where over 70 nationalities are represented. For more on the school, see: https://edithsteincollege.nl
The evening closed with a relaxed meet & mingle over drinks and snacks, giving everyone a chance to continue conversations in an informal setting.
Such events underscore The Hague’s commitment to engaging its international residents and ensuring their voices are part of local decision-making.The next municipal council elections are scheduled for 18 March 2026 – to be confirmed, more information here: https://english.kiesraad.nl/latest-news/events
To be eligible to vote in these elections, you must be 18 years or older, reside in the municipality, and not be excluded from the right to vote. Having Dutch nationality is not a requirement — EU citizens and non-EU citizens who have legally lived in the Netherlands for at least five years may also vote.
Each attendee received an English-language booklet titled How does The Hague Municipal Council work? that explained council structure, roles, and processes.
The evening was part of Raad in de Stad (Council in the City), a programme that brings council members directly into conversation with residents across the city. This edition was held in English as a special international version. Organiser Andrew van Esch noted: “It is fantastic to see so much enthusiasm within the international community to come into contact with local politics. That pleasantly surprised us.”
After the event, an email was sent out including a list of political parties in The Hague with links to their websites, as well as contact details and social media channels for the City Council to help internationals stay connected.
Every month, usually on the 3rd Thursday (sometimes Wednesday), the Hague Hoppers swing dance school arranges a social dance event with a live band. The best jazz musicians play swing music for dancers. Everyone is welcome! Entrance is free. We kindly ask you to consider donating €10-15 to the band.
Dates: 16 October, 20 November, 10 December
Time: 19.15-20.00 Free swing dance taster
20-23.00 – donation-based live jazz band gig with social dance
Location: Amare theatre (ground floor). Souiplein 150, The Hague
Before the social dance, Hague Hoppers offer a free swing dance workshop. No partner or registration is needed. If you like jazz music and movement, just come along and give it a try. Workshops are in English.
In the Netherlands, Budget Day is known as Prinsjesdag or ‘Prince’s Day’, and is held on the third Tuesday in September. On this day, the King delivers the Speech from the Throne, officially opening the parliamentary year. The King’s speech contains the government’s key plans for the year ahead.
Historyof the date
Formerly, Budget Day (Prince’s day) was on the first Monday in November, and later on the third Monday in October. But this didn’t leave Parliament enough time to finalise the national budget before 1 January. So in 1848 Budget Day (Prince’s Day) was brought forward to the third Monday in September. But this created problems. To arrive on time, members of parliament living outside The Hague had to set out on Sunday. Protestant politicians, especially, objected to travelling on a Sunday. So, in 1887 Budget Day was moved to the third Tuesday in September.
Location
Since 1904, the head of state (the King or Queen) has delivered the Speech from the Throne in the Hall of Knights, announcing the government’s main plans for the year ahead.
In 2020 and 2021, the King delivered the Speech from the Throne in the Grote Kerk in The Hague, due to measures to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
From 2022, the King has delivered the Speech from the Throne in the Royal Theatre in The Hague, owing to renovations of the Binnenhof. Afterwards, the Minister of Finance gives the House of Representatives an overview of the cost of the plans announced in the Speech from the Throne.
