Articles about Contracts
Practical legal information for entrepreneurs. Read what to look out for, which steps are sensible, and when legal advice is necessary.
Printing, signing, and scanning: not always a good idea
Contracts
March 4, 2019
A printed, signed, and rescanned signature is legally valid but is considered the least reliable form of electronic signature. Under Dutch law (Article 3:15a of the Dutch Civil Code), an electronic signature...
Debt forgiveness without gift tax: the importance of an agreement
Contracts
February 27, 2019
Short answer: a waiver does not always result in gift tax. The Tax and Customs Administration only levies gift tax if a gift is involved, and for that, there must be generosity in the...
Self-employed professional in employment: avoid classification as a bogus self-employed person
Contracts
February 25, 2019
A self-employed professional who in practice works as a regular employee runs the risk of being classified as a bogus self-employed person. The Tax and Customs Administration can then retroactively classify the collaboration as an employment relationship, with...
A smoking ban in a rental agreement: is it still useful?
Contracts
February 18, 2019
Yes. If you manage a business Facebook page as an entrepreneur or place social plug-ins (such as the 'Like' button) on your website, then in most cases you are together with...
Why you'd better put the job description on paper
Contracts
February 7, 2019
Always put the job description in writing. A verbal agreement is legally valid in the Netherlands, but as soon as a dispute arises about exactly what was agreed, you are left empty-handed....
In 2019, a workplace accident could cost you more… Some tips
Employment Matters
6 February 2019
Since January 1, 2019, as an employer, in the event of a serious workplace accident, you may also be liable for emotional damages in addition to ordinary damages: compensation for pain and suffering for relatives of an employee who dies or...
No laissez-faire in rental agreements: have them reviewed!
Contracts
February 4, 2019
A tenant is not automatically required to bear all maintenance costs, even if the lease agreement explicitly states so. The law divides the costs: the tenant is responsible for the minor,...
Be careful with broadly formulated commitments
Contracts
January 28, 2019
An agreement may only be dissolved in the event of a breach of sufficient gravity. Pursuant to Article 6:265 paragraph 1 of the Dutch Civil Code, in principle, every failure to perform entitles the other party...
Caution: an agreement is more than its name
Contracts
January 24, 2019
The name of a contract is not decisive: a judge or the Tax Authorities look at what actually happens, not at the heading on the document. If you call an agreement...
Buying a domain name? Always opt for a purchase agreement
Contracts
January 23, 2019
Do you want to acquire a domain name from another holder? Always record the transfer in a written purchase agreement. A verbal agreement or a casual email offers insufficient legal basis:...