Thema:
Corona
We receive many questions from members about the coronavirus. Thousands of freelancers suddenly lose all their work and income . What you need know and do.
Corona
Highlights uit dit thema:
Are you a freelancer? Then you can now apply for assistance via the temporary bridging scheme for independent entrepreneurs (TOZO).
Important update as of 27 May 2020: The Dutch government has announced that the TOZO scheme has been extended until August 2020 a.k.a. TOZO 2. Read all about it in this article.
The very far-reaching measures taken by the government on the advice of RIVM to combat the spread of the coronavirus have almost completely brought the cultural sector to a halt. As a result, thousands of freelancers in our sector, i.e. you, suddenly have lost almost all of their work and income.
What to do as an foreign artist in the Netherlands and due to the corona crisis you have barely any income at the moment?
Do you have any questions about your situatio and you are a member of the Kunstenbond, please call our legal helpdesk. Available every work day from 1 pm to 5 pm, via 020-2108052. You can also send an email to juridischadvies@kunstenbond.nl
One of the most striking effects of the corona crisis is the way people and society are forced onto the internet. In Dutch marketing jargon this is called ‘gefunneld’. Online delivery services can barely cope with the high demand. This does not only concerns food and clothing delivery services, but also the turnover of platforms for videos and music on demand, games and other types of entertainment.
rakenDra Smit, lawyer at the Kunstenbond, explains different platforms that are available.
The Tax Authorities cooperate in the implementation of the emergency measures and facilities. The following topics are part of this:
- Defferal tax payment;
- Lowering the provisional assessment;
- Temporary reduction of recovery and tax interest.
Although initially it appeared that the Government would moderate the self-employed tax scheme, as a part of the package of emergency measures and provisions, as of now it appears that adjustments in this will not be implemented. Naturally, we wish for a realistic moderation of the hourly criterion, given the inevitable consequences of the corona pandemic on the actual hours spent at your business or company.
Freelancers and entrepreneurs who are directly affected by government measures can receive a singular payment of 4.000 euros (over a 3-month period) without further questions or obligations.
One of the criteria of the temporary bridging scheme for freelancers (TOZO) is that you are a resident an lawfully reside in the Netherlands. If you are registered in a Dutch municipality with a valid residence permit, you meet this criterion.
What should you do as an artist when your work is abroad, where travel restrictions are now being introduced or where the borders are completely closed?
The short-term unemployment benefit (3 months unemployment benefit) is intended for employees and workers (who pay social premiums / employee insurance via salary or payrolling) who do not meet the so-called 'four-out-of-five requirement'. So in the five years preceding the calendar year in which unemployment arose, you worked 208 hours (per year) in at least four years.
The government has taken various measures to compensate for the (economic) consequences of the corona crisis as much as possible. One of these measures is the temporary Emergency Measure Bridging for Retention of Work (NOW). It will soon be possible for employers to submit an application.