I’m not a fan of complicated tax talk. I like facts, stories, and clear instructions. So here’s one for you:

Last year, a small Dutch company decided to install a heat pump. They wanted to go greener, and the investment made sense, both for the planet and for their energy bill. The heat pump cost €50,000. Good move.

But here’s what they didn’t do: they forgot to report the investment to the government under the Energy Investment Deduction (EIA). That tiny step, filling out a form in time, could have saved them €3,800 in tax.

That’s real money. But it slipped through the cracks. And they’re not alone.

Big Investments, Missed Benefits

In 2024, Dutch entrepreneurs invested more than €3.2 billion in energy-saving tech. But despite that, 27% fewer people used the EIA compared to the year before. That’s millions of euros left on the table. Literally.

This isn’t because entrepreneurs aren’t smart. It’s because the EIA process is messy, the deadlines are tight, and the system feels like a maze.

Let’s fix that.

What Is the EIA, in Simple Words?

The EIA is a tax benefit. If you invest in certain green technologies (like a heat pump, LED lighting, or energy-efficient equipment), the government lets you deduct an extra 40% of the investment from your profits.

That means: you pay less tax.

Example:

• You buy a heat pump for €50,000
• With the EIA, you can deduct €20,000 extra
• At 19% tax, that saves you €3,800
• And yes, that’s on top of normal depreciation

Bonus Trick: Combine EIA with KIA

Here’s where it gets even better.

If your investment is between €2,901 and €70,603, you also get the Small-scale Investment Deduction (KIA). That adds another 28% deduction.

So yes, you can combine EIA and KIA. Some projects end up with over 60% in total deductions. That’s like paying €100,000 for something and only getting taxed as if you paid €40,000.

So Why Are So Many Missing Out?

Let me tell you what I see, time and time again:

1. Different teams don’t talk
   The technical or facility team orders the product. Finance only hears about it when the invoice arrives. But to get the EIA, you need to report it within three months of the order date, not the invoice date. That’s a common mistake.
2. The Energy List is overwhelming
   There’s a huge list of codes. If your product isn’t on it, or if you pick the wrong code, you’re out of luck. Many people give up halfway.
3. Installers send the order confirmation late
   And without that order date, your countdown doesn’t start. But the government doesn’t care, your three months started the moment you signed.

So What Can You Do About It?

Let’s keep it practical. Here’s your checklist:

• Before you buy anything, check the Energy List for 2025. Make sure your supplier confirms that the model qualifies.
• Set aside a capex budget early. That way, you’re not stuck waiting for approval when the three-month clock is ticking.
• Digitize the notification process. Tools like Nextens Reference have the right codes and a step-by-step guide to send everything directly to the RVO portal. Less stress. Less risk of missing deadlines.
• Check if your investment also fits other programs, like the Environmental Investment Deduction (MIA) or WBSO. In 2023, 97% of WBSO users were small companies. So yes, it’s for you too.

Important Dates to Remember

Don’t Let Your Money Expire

Let’s be honest. You work hard for your money. So when the government gives you a way to keep more of it, don’t ignore it. Talk to your installer, your bookkeeper, your accountant. Print this article if you need to.

But whatever you do, don’t let that three-month window close without sending the EIA notification.

You’d never throw €3,800 out the window.

So don’t let silence or delays throw it away for you.