Gold and Dutch box 3 tax in 2026: how is physical gold taxed?

When people buy gold they usually think about the price and VAT. But income tax matters too. In the Netherlands, investment gold falls under box 3: savings and investments. Here is a simple explanation. This is general information, not personal tax advice.

Which category does gold fall under?

Box 3 has three categories: bank balances, other assets, and debts. Gold bars and investment coins count as 'other assets', just like shares. Jewellery you wear yourself is usually exempt, because it counts as personal-use items.

How is it calculated in 2026?

The Dutch Tax Administration does not use your real profit but a fixed assumed return. For other assets that is 6% in 2026. You pay 36% tax on that assumed return. First a tax-free allowance is deducted: €59,357 per person in 2026, or double for tax partners. The value of your gold on 1 January is what counts.

An example

Say you own €80,000 in gold on 1 January and no other savings. After the tax-free allowance about €20,643 remains. Roughly, you pay 6% x 36% on that, a little over 2% a year: about €446. The real amount depends on your total wealth, so always check with the Tax Administration's calculator.

What changes from 2028?

The government wants box 3 to be based on actual returns. The House of Representatives passed the bill in February 2026. According to the Dutch government, that bill remains the basis for box 3 from 2028, but the cabinet is still studying changes. Exactly how gold will be treated is therefore not yet certain. We follow the news and will update this article once it is clear.

Tip

Keep the invoices of your gold purchases. They show what you paid and when, which may matter under the new system. At Eve Gold you receive an invoice with every purchase.

Sources: Belastingdienst, box 3 information 2026; Rijksoverheid, 'Tijdlijn Wet werkelijk rendement box 3' (updated June 2026).