Knowledge base
View or request the annual accounts of a BV
Viewing the annual accounts of a BV: what you need to know
If you want to request or view the annual accounts (jaarrekening) of a BV (the Dutch private limited company), it helps to know how that information is made available and what it tells you. This topic is closely linked to outsourcing the annual accounts themselves; read more about outsourcing the annual accounts of your BV if you also want the preparation and filing taken care of. This page is about requesting and viewing: for yourself as a director-major shareholder (DGA), as a potential business partner, or if you want to screen a competing BV.
Every BV in the Netherlands is legally required to file the annual accounts with the Chamber of Commerce (KVK). That applies to your own BV too. Once filed, the annual accounts are public and anyone can request them through the Business Register of the Chamber of Commerce. You pay the Chamber of Commerce a small fee for this. Simplified filing requirements apply to micro and small BVs: in many cases they only have to file the balance sheet. Medium-sized and large BVs must file more extensive documents, including the profit and loss account and explanatory notes. So what you get to see through the Chamber of Commerce depends on the size of the BV in question.
In most cases the filing deadline is thirteen months after the end of the financial year. Filing late brings a risk of fines and director liability. Read more about the consequences of filing late if you want to know what is at stake.
Requesting the annual accounts of a BV through the Chamber of Commerce: step by step
The easiest way to request the annual accounts of a BV is through the online portal of the Chamber of Commerce. You look up the company by name or Chamber of Commerce number, select the annual accounts you want and pay a small amount (excl. VAT) for the download. You receive the document digitally straight away. This works for every BV in the Netherlands, including your own company if you want to check what has been filed.
Please note: through the Chamber of Commerce you only see the filed version of the annual accounts. For micro and small BVs that is usually just the abridged balance sheet. The full internal annual accounts, including the profit and loss account, explanatory notes and any consolidated statements, are available to you internally as the DGA or can be requested from your own accounting firm. If you need that full version of your own BV for a bank, lender or investor, it is your bookkeeper or accountant who provides it, not the Chamber of Commerce.
Want to know whether your own BV has filed properly and on time, or do you want the full annual accounts prepared and the deadline monitored? At Nummerix, preparing and filing the annual accounts is a standard part of your fixed monthly fee. You do not have to place a separate order or keep an eye on a deadline. Request a free quote and know within one working day what your fixed monthly fee will be.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
How can I request the annual accounts of a BV?
You can request the filed annual accounts of any Dutch BV through the Business Register of the Chamber of Commerce. You search by company name or Chamber of Commerce number, select the financial year you want and pay a small amount (excl. VAT) for the digital download. Keep in mind that small and micro BVs often file only an abridged balance sheet and not the full profit and loss account.
Are the annual accounts of a BV public?
Yes. Every BV in the Netherlands is legally required to file its annual accounts with the Chamber of Commerce, after which they are publicly accessible. Exactly what is visible depends on the size of the BV. Micro and small BVs may suffice with an abridged balance sheet; medium-sized and large BVs must provide more information, including the profit and loss account.
What is the difference between the filed annual accounts and the full internal annual accounts?
The version filed with the Chamber of Commerce is the legally required, public version. For small BVs it usually contains only the balance sheet. The full internal annual accounts, including the profit and loss account, explanatory notes and any consolidated statements, are only available internally to the DGA and the board, or can be requested from your own bookkeeper or accountant.
Within what deadline must a BV file its annual accounts?
In most cases the deadline is thirteen months after the end of the financial year. Filing late can lead to fines and increases the risk of director liability in the event of bankruptcy. At Nummerix we monitor that deadline as a standard part of your fixed monthly fee.
Can I also view the annual accounts of my own BV through the Chamber of Commerce?
Yes, you can. As a DGA you can check through the Business Register which version has been filed and whether it is there yet. You usually already have the full internal version in your own administration, or you can request it from your bookkeeper.
What does it cost if Nummerix prepares and files the annual accounts of my BV?
Preparing and filing the annual accounts is a standard part of your fixed monthly fee at Nummerix. There is no separate invoice at the end of the year. Request a free quote and you will know within one working day what the fixed fee for your situation will be.
Questions about your own situation?
An intake call is free and without obligation. Prefer to know the price straight away? Request a quote.