Government order for a bank withdrawal

With an government order ('overheidsvordering'), we may collect a tax debt. No extra charges will be added. When a judicial officer collects a tax debt, extra charges are added. A judicial officer may also seize your belongings. Or block the amount on your bank account. We try to prevent such situations from happening. Therefore, we prefer to issue a government order.

When do we issue a government order?

We only issue a government order when you fail to pay your water authority tax for a long time. If you have not responded to your:

• water authority tax assessment (to be paid within 6 weeks)
• payment reminder ('aanmaning') This is to be paid within 2 weeks.
• warrant (to be paid within 2 days)

How much money are we allowed to withdraw from your bank account?

If a government order is issued, we may withdraw a maximum amount of 500 euros at a time. This only applies for warrant amounts of up to 1,000 euros. Sometimes, we divide the amount into multiple parts. Then, you will see multiple withdrawals from your bank account at the same time.

You will receive a letter within 7 business days after we have withdrawn the amount from your bank account. The amount will be specified in this letter.

Can I stop the withdrawal?

You cannot stop the withdrawal from your bank account. Even your bank cannot stop the withdrawal. You and your bank do not have to authorise the withdrawal.

We are also entitled to withdraw money from your bank account resulting in a (increased) negative balance.

Your income and living expenses

Have you been issued a government order? Then you may ask us to take your income and living expenses into account. For example, your rent or health insurance costs. This is also referred to as the tax free allowance (You are leaving this website) ('beslagvrije voet'). We will need the following information to determine if this is possible:

• your family situation (single, cohabitating, married, do you have any children living at home)
• payslip or (social) benefits ('uitkering') statement
• is your income or your partner’s income already being garnished
• overview of supplements charged by the tax authorities
• overview of your housing costs (for example, rent)
• overview of your health care costs 

Please send a copy of this information to:

Waternet/AGV
t.a.v. team Invordering
Postbus 94127
1090 GC Amsterdam 

How often are we allowed to withdraw amounts from your bank account?

The withdrawal will happen 2 times per month at most. We are allowed to withdraw amounts from your bank account for a maximum of 3 consecutive months. Therefore, we are entitled to withdraw an amount 6 times in total. Until your assessment is paid in full.