5 practical Summer Tips for Starting Entrepreneurs
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Starting a business is exciting.
Starting a business in the summer? Even better.
The days are longer, your energy is higher, and customers are out and about.
But here’s the catch: the start of your entrepreneurial journey comes with serious responsibilities. Taxes. Administration. Deadlines. Paperwork.
If you don’t prepare, you’ll be overwhelmed by autumn.
That’s why we’ve put together 5 practical Summer Tips for Starting Entrepreneurs—so you can step into fall with confidence, clarity, and a solid plan.
1. Join the “Getting Started with the Tax Office” Webinar
Running a business is not just about chasing customers.
It’s about staying compliant.
The Dutch Tax and Customs Administration hosts a free webinar: “Getting Started with the Tax Office.”
It’s live on August 27 at 20:00.
Here’s why you should attend:
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You’ll learn the must-know tax basics for new entrepreneurs.
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You’ll get practical explanations instead of boring theory.
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You’ll have live Q&A opportunities via chat.
Last time, over 1,000 questions were answered from new business owners like you.
Pro tip: Treat this webinar like a tax “cheat sheet.” It will save you hours of Googling.
2. Know Which Expenses You Can Deduct
Business expenses aren’t just money leaving your bank account.
They’re also tax-saving tools.
When you deduct expenses from your revenue, your taxable profit goes down.
Lower profit = lower tax bill.
Here are common deductible costs:
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Software subscriptions (think accounting tools, design tools, project management apps).
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Travel for client meetings.
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Research and advice services before you even register at the Chamber of Commerce.
⚠️ Important: Only real business expenses count.
That new Netflix subscription? Not deductible.
To maximize deductions:
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Track every euro you spend from day one.
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Save receipts digitally.
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Separate your business and personal accounts.
When tax season comes, you’ll know exactly what to claim.
You may also qualify for special deductions like:
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Starters deduction
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Self-employed deduction
Both reduce your taxable income further.
3. Set Up Your Administration Early
Bad bookkeeping kills good businesses.
Your administration is the backbone of your company.
And yes, it’s legally required.
Instead of piling receipts in a shoebox, use tools like:
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Moneybird
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Exact Online
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e-Boekhouden.nl
Benefits of a system:
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Keeps you compliant with tax rules.
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Prevents costly mistakes.
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Saves you stress when deadlines hit.
Biggest rookie mistakes?
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Not saving receipts.
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Misclassifying expenses (personal vs business).
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Forgetting to record cash payments.
Do it right from the start, and you’ll thank yourself later.
4. Understand Your VAT Obligations
VAT (BTW in Dutch) is one of the first things you’ll deal with as an entrepreneur.
Here’s the short version:
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You charge VAT to customers.
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You declare it to the tax office as owed.
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You can deduct VAT on your business expenses.
Sounds simple, right? But the details matter.
If your invoices and receipts aren’t in order, you can’t prove what VAT you’ve charged or paid.
That’s why keeping them organized from the start is critical.
Quarterly VAT returns are the norm.
Mark those dates now.
Don’t wait until the last minute.
5. Stay on Top of Deadlines and Cash Flow
Here’s a truth bomb:
The tax office won’t chase you.
If you miss a deadline, penalties are on you.
Deadlines for VAT filing and payment are:
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October 31
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January 31
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April 30
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July 31
Put them in your calendar. Set reminders.
And here’s the other half: cash flow.
Set aside tax money as soon as revenue comes in.
Rule of thumb: park at least 20-30% of every invoice into a tax savings account.
That way, you’ll never be caught short when it’s time to pay.
Why Summer is the Best Time to Prepare
Summer is quieter for many industries.
Clients are on vacation.
You have fewer distractions.
Use that time to:
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Build systems.
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Learn tax basics.
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Set up your administration.
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Prepare financially.
That way, when business picks up in autumn, you’ll be ready to focus on growth—not scrambling to catch up.
This is the real power of following Summer Tips for Starting Entrepreneurs.
FAQs on Summer Tips for Starting Entrepreneurs
Q1: I haven’t registered my business yet. Can I still deduct costs?
Yes. Costs like research, market studies, and consultations before registration can often be deducted. Keep proof.
Q2: Do I need expensive accounting software right away?
Not necessarily. Start with affordable tools or even Excel if you’re disciplined. But software saves time and prevents errors.
Q3: What happens if I miss a VAT deadline?
You’ll face fines and possibly interest charges. It hurts cash flow and credibility. Always note deadlines in advance.
Q4: Can I manage my taxes without a bookkeeper?
Yes, especially at the start. But as your business grows, outsourcing can save time and money.
Internal Linking Opportunities
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Link to: “Top Tax Mistakes New Entrepreneurs Make”.
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Link to: “How to Choose the Best Accounting Software for Small Businesses.”
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Link to: “Beginner’s Guide to VAT in the Netherlands.”
Closing Line
Starting a business is a marathon, not a sprint.
Use the quiet summer months wisely, set your foundation, and step into fall with confidence.
That’s the real value of following Summer Tips for Starting Entrepreneurs.
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