Smart Business Saving as a Self-Employed Entrepreneur: Everything You Need to Know

As a self-employed person (zzp’er), you know better than anyone how important it is to keep your finances in order. After all, you’re the one responsible for the continuity and growth of your business. Yet many entrepreneurs see business saving as something for later. But by saving smartly now and setting clear goals, you can handle unexpected setbacks and seize opportunities as they arise.

In this article, we explain why business saving is so important, how to approach it, and which options are most interesting under Dutch regulations.

Why business savings are important for self-employed entrepreneurs

Unlike employees, as a zzp’er, you don’t have a safety net. No continued salary when you’re sick, no automatic pension contributions, and no employer investing in your workplace. That’s why saving isn’t just smart — it’s essential.

A good savings plan ensures that you can:

• Stay calm when faced with unexpected expenses.

• Pay tax assessments without stress.

• Make future investments without needing a loan.

• Start building your pension.

With a solid savings strategy, your business is better prepared for surprises and ready to take advantage of opportunities.

Step 1: Determine your minimum buffer

Start with a basic buffer that keeps your business running if income temporarily drops. A common rule of thumb is three to six months of fixed business expenses.

Example:

• Fixed monthly costs: €1,500 (workspace rent, insurance, software).

• Minimum buffer: €4,500–€9,000.

Calculate this based on your own situation and make it your first savings goal.

Step 2: Plan for unexpected expenses

In addition to fixed costs, there are always unplanned ones — such as replacing equipment or maintaining your company car.

Estimate:

• Workspace & equipment: 10% of the purchase value per year.

• Car: reserve at least €1,000 per year.

Add these to your buffer total.

Step 3: Account for taxes

Many self-employed entrepreneurs underestimate their tax obligations. Check out our overview of Dutch income tax to understand exactly what to expect.

You may need to save for:

• Income tax

• VAT

• Possibly corporate tax (if you have a BV)

A good rule of thumb is to set aside 30–40% of your gross income so you won’t face surprises in April.

Step 4: Think long term — pension and growth

Once you’ve reached your short-term savings goals, it’s time to plan ahead:

• Pension: the earlier you start, the smaller your monthly contributions need to be, thanks to compound interest.

• Growth: planning to expand or develop new services? Start saving now for training, marketing, or a new website.

Where to keep your savings

• Business savings account
  Useful for buffers, tax reserves, and planned investments. Make sure you can demonstrate that the money serves a business purpose.

• Private saving or investing
  For pension or surplus funds, private saving or investing (Box 3) can sometimes be more tax-efficient.

• Pension product
  Consider an annuity or pension investment account for tax-advantaged retirement savings.

Avoid these common mistakes

• No clear separation between business and personal finances.

• Saving without a plan, leading to too much or too little reserve.

• Holding excess liquidity in the business without proof of business purpose (which may result in taxation under Box 3).

Make sure your records clearly show what your savings are intended for.

Conclusion: Make saving part of your business strategy

Saving isn’t an afterthought — it’s a deliberate choice that strengthens your business. By calculating what you need for buffers, taxes, and growth, you build toward a financially stable future.

Need help setting up your savings plan, managing your accounts, or making tax-efficient decisions?

The experts at Balancify are ready to help with clear advice and smart tools designed specifically for self-employed entrepreneurs.

Contact Balancify today and take the first step toward financial peace of mind.