Through Temper, you work as an independent contractor, and we’re here to keep you updated on all developments in this area. You might have heard in the news or from a client that the Dutch Tax Authority plans to check on false self-employment starting January 2025. This might raise questions for both you and your clients: can I continue working as an independent contractor? Can I still use platforms like Temper?
We’re happy to explain it all to you so you’re fully informed about the regulations and don’t have to worry about continuing working as an independent contractor in 2025. Moreover, both Temper and the way of working through the platform are here to stay.
What’s happening for freelancers in 2025?
As of January 1, 2025, the Dutch Tax Authority has announced that it will begin risk-based enforcement on false self-employment.
"False self-employment is a situation where someone is formally working as an independent contractor but is effectively employed as a worker and should have been hired as an employee."
This enforcement has several aspects relevant to you, including:
- The Tax Authority will conduct checks with clients, encouraging them to carefully consider their use of freelancers. Clients can document this in their policies and procedures, bringing more clarity. We assist clients with handy templates for this purpose.
- The Tax Authority will primarily focus on preventing abuses and addressing clear cases of false self-employment. For freelancers working through Temper, there are no such abuses or irregularities.
Learn more about the Tax Authority’s risk-based enforcement strategy here.
Why FreeFlexing is here to stay
You might wonder: will this affect how I work? Good news: FreeFlexing through Temper will continue as usual. The Temper platform is designed to enable you to operate as a true independent contractor.
The Tax Authority uses nine criteria to determine whether someone is genuinely self-employed. These criteria are always assessed as a whole and per individual situation. You can find these criteria in this article.
As an independent contractor, it’s important to be mindful of these criteria. Some of them include:
- Freelancers take on only short-term assignments.
- Freelancers work for multiple clients.
- Freelancers decide whether or not to accept an assignment.
- Freelancers negotiate their hourly rate.
- Freelancers can freely find a substitute to replace themselves.
- Freelancers bear commercial risks, send invoices, and face the risk of unpaid invoices.
As you can see, many of these conditions are facilitated when working through Temper.
Tips to demonstrate your independence
You can continue working as an independent contractor after 2025, but it’s essential to showcase your entrepreneurship in all aspects of your work. A combination of clear agreements, putting independence in practice, and proper administration is key. By being well-prepared, you can confidently move forward.
For example, ensure you’re registered with the Chamber of Commerce (KVK), maintain a personal website or portfolio, and work for multiple clients. Additionally, invest in your own materials, such as workwear or chef’s knives, and bring them to your shifts.
Independence through Temper
The way Temper’s platform operates also supports your entrepreneurship. You can choose your own assignments, negotiate your hourly rate, and even arrange for a substitute either through or outside the platform. These features enable you to work independently through Temper.
The changes regarding false self-employment may sound daunting, but they’re intended to provide more clarity and security for both you and your clients. Keep working the way you want. FreeFlexing is here to stay! 💚
