Rekenbox · 2026
Debt collection costs calculator
The statutory collection scale, VAT and fourteen-day notice in one calculation.Findings and points to check
- Do not charge these costs yet: a consumer must first receive a valid fourteen-day notice and the deadline must expire. The displayed scale does not establish that costs are owed.
Statutory collection scale
| Band | Rate | Base | Costs |
|---|---|---|---|
| € 0.01 to € 2,500.00 | 15% | €2,500.00 | €375.00 |
| € 2,500.01 to € 5,000.00 | 10% | €1,000.00 | €100.00 |
| € 5,000.01 to € 10,000.00 | 5% | €0.00 | €0.00 |
| € 10,000.01 to € 200,000.00 | 1% | €0.00 | €0.00 |
| above € 200,000.00 | 0.5% | €0.00 | €0.00 |
Assumptions, sources and version
2026 · nl-2026.1 · v2026.1
- Scale for a single due debt; minimum €40 and maximum €6,775 before eligible VAT. Valid business contract terms may differ. This tool does not assess a case file, recurring instalments or enforceability.
- Rijksoverheid — hoogte incassokosten (2026-09-06)
- Besluit vergoeding voor buitengerechtelijke incassokosten (2026-09-06)
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Understand your result
How this tool works
Extrajudicial collection costs cover recovering a debt without court proceedings. This calculator divides the outstanding principal across the Dutch statutory BIK bands. Each band shows the relevant portion of the debt and the corresponding cost. The statutory minimum and maximum are then applied. An optional VAT setting shows the eligible increase when a creditor cannot deduct VAT on an external collection service.
Calculating extrajudicial collection costs
The first €2,500 attracts 15%, the next €2,500 10%, the next €5,000 5%, the following €190,000 1% and the remainder 0.5%. Costs are at least €40 and at most €6,775 before eligible VAT. Apply the scale to the principal only: do not add previously calculated interest or collection costs to that principal. The result table shows the intermediate amounts.
Consumers and the fourteen-day notice
A calculated scale amount does not mean you can immediately demand payment. Consumers first need a valid free notice allowing the statutory fourteen-day period, counted from the day after receipt. The notice must explain the consequences of non-payment. The checkbox helps distinguish these situations. Rekenbox does not establish whether a notice is legally valid, was received, or whether the underlying debt is disputed.
VAT on collection costs
Enable the VAT increase only when an external collection service is involved and the creditor cannot recover VAT on that service. The increase is then 21% of eligible collection costs. It differs from VAT on the original invoice. If the creditor can deduct the service VAT, that increase should not be included in the claim against the debtor. Check this before sending a notice.
Business debts and statutory commercial interest
Business agreements can contain different valid collection-cost terms. The calculator still shows the statutory scale as a reference but does not assess the agreement. Statutory commercial interest is calculated separately from dates and interest rates. Use the linked interest calculator and avoid double counting. Keep the principal, notices, evidence of receipt and calculation together so the file can be checked.
Common questions
How much are collection costs?
The statutory scale starts at 15% and decreases by band. The minimum is €40 and the maximum €6,775 before any eligible VAT increase.
When may I charge collection costs?
It depends on the debt and debtor. Consumers must first receive a valid fourteen-day notice and the payment deadline must have expired.
Can VAT be added to collection costs?
Only the eligible increase for an external collection service whose VAT the creditor cannot deduct. The calculator provides a separate setting.
How does this differ from statutory interest?
Collection costs follow the principal-based scale. Interest depends on principal, duration and applicable rates. Calculate them separately and count each item once.
Which details do you need?
- Outstanding principal
- Debtor
- Valid fourteen-day notice received and deadline expired
- Creditor cannot deduct VAT on the external collection service
Limits of this tool
- Scale for a single due debt; minimum €40 and maximum €6,775 before eligible VAT. Valid business contract terms may differ. This tool does not assess a case file, recurring instalments or enforceability.
Year: 2026 · Version 2026.1
Sources for this tool
- Rijksoverheid — hoogte incassokosten · calculation source checked 2026-09-06
- Besluit vergoeding voor buitengerechtelijke incassokosten · calculation source checked 2026-09-06
Prepared by the Rekenbox product team at Winstwaker. The listed source references and calculation version make the method traceable. Report a content error Last updated: 2026-09-06. Rekenbox is a product by Winstwaker. The tool applies a calculation model to your inputs; a result or paid report is not a personal assessment by an adviser.