Dutch letter came? How to read it without stress
Short answer: look for three things: who sent it, what kind of letter it is, and the date by which you must act. Most official letters are routine. The expensive ones are the ones you ignore.
Step 1: Who sent it?
| Sender | Usually about |
|---|---|
| Belastingdienst (often a blue envelope) | Income tax, provisional assessments, allowances (toeslagen) |
| Gemeente | Registration, municipal taxes, waste levy, WOZ property value |
| CAK | Health insurance obligations, some care contributions |
| CJIB | Fines and collection, e.g. traffic fines |
| IND | Residence permits, appointments, decisions |
| SVB, UWV, DUO | Child benefit, unemployment, study finance |
| Your health insurer | Policy, premium, claims |
Step 2: What kind of letter is it?
The key word is often in the subject line:
| Word | Meaning | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| aanslag | Tax assessment (an amount you owe or get back) | Check the amount and the payment date |
| voorlopige aanslag | Provisional assessment, an estimate | Check it; you can ask for a change if it is wrong |
| beschikking / besluit | Formal decision | Read the decision; you may be able to object |
| aanmaning | Payment reminder | Pay now; costs usually rise after this |
| herinnering | Reminder | Act before the new date |
| uitnodiging | Invitation or appointment | Confirm or reschedule |
| machtiging | Authorisation or direct debit mandate | Check before you sign |
| betalingsregeling | Payment arrangement | Useful if you cannot pay at once |
Step 3: Find the deadline
Look for words like uiterlijk (at the latest), vóór (before), binnen ... dagen/weken (within ... days/weeks) and vervaldatum (due date).
Two deadlines you should know:
- Objection (bezwaar): usually 6 weeks after the date of a government decision. If you disagree, object within that period; the letter itself explains how.
- Health insurance (CAK): if the CAK writes that you are not insured, you have 3 months before a fine.
Step 4: Act or file it
- Payment letter? Pay by the date, or ask for a payment arrangement before it passes.
- Decision you disagree with? Object (bezwaar maken) within the period in the letter.
- Not sure it is real? Do not use the phone number or link in the letter. Look up the organisation's official website yourself. Government bodies never ask for your DigiD password.
- Routine information? Keep it. Tax letters can matter years later.
Check your digital post too
Once you use MijnOverheid, some organisations send letters to your digital Berichtenbox instead of by post. Turn on email alerts so you do not miss a deadline. You need DigiD for this.
Your checklist
- Sender identified
- Type of letter identified (key word in the subject)
- Deadline written down
- Action taken or letter filed
Let Stapje read it with you
Photograph the letter and Stapje explains what it is, what to do and by when, in plain English. Deadlines and warnings stay visible, also on the free plan. Your photo is only sent for processing after you give consent. No account needed.
Get Stapje on the App StoreFAQ
How do I know if a Dutch letter is urgent?
Look for a date with uiterlijk, vóór or binnen, and for the words aanmaning or beschikking. A reminder or a decision usually has the shortest deadline.
How long do I have to object to a decision?
Usually 6 weeks from the date the decision was made known. The letter states the exact period and where to send the objection.
I received a blue envelope. What is it?
Blue envelopes usually come from the Belastingdienst (tax office). Open them; they often contain a payment date.
Can I ignore a letter written only in Dutch?
No. Official letters are valid in Dutch. Translate it or have it explained, and act before the deadline.
Official sources
Last checked 6 October 2026. The organisation that sent your letter is the official source for what applies to you. Stapje explains letters; it is not a lawyer or a government service.