What is DIY Administration?
Online bookkeeping software for freelancers in the Netherlands. You keep track of your hours, mileage, invoices, expenses and VAT in your own browser. It costs € 50 a year or € 5 a month, excluding VAT, and you try it free for 7 days first. In Dutch it's called DHZ Boekhouding.
Do I need to understand bookkeeping?
No. That's the whole point. You enter what you did (hours, mileage, costs) and the app handles the rest. No debit, no credit, no jargon.
How does the free trial work?
You use DIY Administration free for 7 days, with every feature. No payment details needed. After that you choose: € 50 in one go, or € 5 a month. Prices exclude VAT.
What's the difference between € 50 and € 5 a month?
Both give you 12 months of access. Pay once and it's € 50. Pay monthly and it's 12 × € 5, € 60 in total. All prices exclude VAT. You pick what suits you.
Does the app read my receipts automatically?
No. You attach the photo of your receipt or the PDF of the invoice to the entry, so you can always find it. You enter the amount and VAT yourself. Want to type less? Import your bank statement. The app creates the expenses that are still missing, with a suggested category and VAT rate. You check it.
Which bank statements can I import?
CSV, CAMT.053 and MT940. All major Dutch banks let you download these, usually under Downloaden or Exporteren (Download or Export).
Does the app file my VAT and tax return?
The app gets everything ready: your VAT per quarter and your profit-and-tax overview for the year. You file the official return yourself with the Dutch tax office. That takes a few minutes, because it's all prepared.
Is it made for internationals in the Netherlands?
Yes. Switch the app to English with one button, and your invoices go out in English too. It's built around the Dutch rules you deal with as a freelancer here: VAT (BTW), income tax and the self-employed deductions.
I use the KOR. Is it still useful?
Yes. Choose the small business scheme (KOR) in Settings. Your invoices then go out without VAT, stating that you use the KOR. Your costs count including VAT for your profit, because you can't reclaim that VAT. The VAT menu disappears, the rest keeps working.
I'm exempt from VAT, for example in healthcare. Does it work?
Yes. Choose it once in Settings. Your invoices go out without VAT, stating that the exemption applies. Your costs count including VAT for your profit. Check with the Dutch tax office whether the exemption applies to your work.
I'm a subcontractor in construction. Can I reverse-charge VAT?
Yes. Tick VAT reverse-charged on your invoice and fill in your client's VAT number. The invoice then shows no VAT, but does show 'VAT reverse-charged' and your client's VAT number. In your VAT return the amount goes in box 1e.
Does it work for my BV?
No. DIY Administration is made for the sole proprietorship (eenmanszaak). It works with the self-employed deduction, the SME profit exemption and income tax. A BV has different rules.
I also have a salaried job. Does it work?
Yes. Not reaching 1,225 hours, or working more hours in your job? Untick the hours criterion. Note: the tax estimate assumes your profit is your only income. With your salary on top, you usually pay more on your profit. So set a bit more aside.
Does it help with the hours criterion?
Yes. The hours counter shows how many hours you've logged this year. For the self-employed deduction (zelfstandigenaftrek) you need at least 1,225 hours a year, and more time in your business than in any job.
Where is my data stored?
With you, in your own browser. The app makes a backup every day, and one button makes one yourself. On another computer, you load that backup there. Preferably work in Chrome or Edge: Safari clears data from sites you haven't opened for a week.
What happens if I stop?
Your data stays yours. It stays in your browser and you download it whenever you like. Keep your backup safe: you have to keep your records for 7 years.
Will it work on my computer and my phone?
If you have a browser, it works. Mac, Windows, Chromebook and your phone. Note: your phone and your computer don't share your data automatically. Work on one device, or move your data with a backup.
Who makes DIY Administration?
I do, Patricia Heemskerk. A freelancer myself, I built the app because I was done with spreadsheets and accountant bills. DIY Administration is a product of Kus van Invloed.