When are collection costs unjustified and how can I dispute them in the Netherlands?
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Detailed explanation, checklist and sources
A Dutch consumer does not automatically owe collection costs. Check the original debt, a valid free fourteen-day notice, the calculation and, since 1 October 2026, whether a collection service that must be registered actually is registered.
On this page
1. Check the original debt
This page concerns out-of-court collection costs for a person with a Dutch consumer debt. Request the agreement, invoices, due date, payments and a full breakdown. An incorrect cost item does not automatically cancel a valid principal debt; dispute principal, interest and costs separately.
Rijksoverheid · Hoogte incassokosten ↗
Rijksoverheid · Wanneer mag een incassobureau worden ingeschakeld? ↗
2. Check the fourteen-day notice
Before charging a consumer collection costs, a written free reminder must be sent after default, giving 14 days to pay and stating the costs that will follow. Check wording, amount, address and sending and receipt dates. A notice that does not meet the statutory requirements may not support the claimed costs.
Rijksoverheid · Wanneer mag een incassobureau worden ingeschakeld? ↗
3. Calculate the maximum costs
Maximum costs are calculated in tiers: 15% over the first €2,500, then lower percentages, generally with a €40 minimum. Separate reminder, administration or notice fees may not be added alongside permitted collection costs and interest. Instalments and VAT can require special calculations; use the calculator and verify the breakdown.
4. Check the collection service
From 1 October 2026, the Dutch government states that a person need not pay collection costs and accruing interest to a collection service that is required to register but is unregistered; the original debt remains. Check the Justis register. Bailiffs and lawyers use their own registers and do not have the same Wki registration duty.
Rijksoverheid · Geen incassokosten bij niet-geregistreerde incassodienstverlener ↗
5. Be specific when disputing charges and clear about what you pay
Write to both creditor and agency, identifying each disputed item and reason. Ask for evidence, a corrected breakdown and suspension of disputed costs. If paying an undisputed amount, state exactly what the payment covers. Never ignore a summons or official deadline and do not make an admission you do not understand.
6. Distinguish an agency from a bailiff
A collection agency cannot itself seize assets or issue a summons. A bailiff may serve official documents and enforce after an enforceable title. Submit conduct complaints in writing first; a registered agency must have access to independent dispute resolution. Seek prompt help for a summons, threatened seizure or unmanageable debts.
Rijksoverheid · Wanneer mag een incassobureau worden ingeschakeld? ↗
How can I dispute collection costs in writing?
Draft to complete: ‘I dispute the collection costs in file [number]. I dispute/miss [the notice, calculation, registration or principal debt]. Send the agreement, invoices, notice with details of when and how it was sent and a full breakdown. I [will pay/have paid] the undisputed € [amount] without admitting the disputed part. Please respond substantively within 14 days.’ Check your facts. This website sends nothing.
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Agreement and original invoice
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- Agreement and original invoice
- Payment evidence and statement
- Free fourteen-day notice
- Sending and receipt evidence
- Breakdown of debt, interest and costs
- Maximum-cost calculation
- Registration or professional register
- Written dispute and responses
Sources
Need personal assistance? Request a lawyer through our chat. We explain the next step; submitting a request does not engage a lawyer. The links below support the legal information.
Rijksoverheid · Hoogte incassokosten ↗Rijksoverheid · Wanneer mag een incassobureau worden ingeschakeld? ↗Hoge Raad · ECLI:NL:HR:2016:2704 ↗Rijksoverheid · Geen incassokosten bij niet-geregistreerde incassodienstverlener ↗Rijksoverheid · Klacht over een incassobureau ↗Sources may be in Dutch. General information about Dutch law, not individual legal advice.