More American Dutch renounce their US citizenship: “I pay taxes in the Netherlands, but America still wants its share”

According to a recent report by NH Nieuws, more and more Dutch citizens with American nationality are choosing to renounce their U.S. citizenship. The combination of burdensome tax obligations and growing dissatisfaction with the political direction of the United States has led to a surge in renunciations.

Political unrest and tax burdens

There are an estimated 42,000 people in the Netherlands with both American and Dutch nationality. Many live in cities like Amsterdam and hold a U.S. passport simply because they were born on American soil or inherited citizenship through their parents. Due to strict U.S. tax laws and a lack of political alignment with the country, many are now renouncing their American citizenship.

One of them is Dirk (last name withheld), who was born in the U.S. while his parents were working there temporarily. He only lived in the country for a few months but still holds a U.S. passport. “I’ve been working on renouncing my citizenship for over a year now,” he explains. “It’s bureaucratic, expensive, and incredibly frustrating.”

Required to file — no matter where you live

Since 2009, Americans living abroad have been legally required to file annual tax returns with the IRS — regardless of where they live or earn their income. Failure to comply can lead to hefty penalties, banking restrictions, and even issues securing a mortgage.

“For me it was clear: I pay taxes in the Netherlands, but America still wants its share,” says Dirk. “It feels unfair. I don’t want to be part of a system that holds me financially and administratively hostage, while giving me nothing in return.”

The political climate as the final push

According to Daan Durlacher, co-founder of Americans Overseas, Dirk’s case is far from unique. “We’ve seen a growing number of people reach out to us for guidance with renouncing their U.S. citizenship. While the tax burden is the main reason, the current political climate is often the final trigger.”

Many no longer feel emotionally or ideologically aligned with the country. “People are asking themselves: do I still want to be associated with a country I no longer identify with?”

Fear of consequences for speaking out

Many American Dutch citizens are also hesitant to publicly criticize the U.S. government. “There’s a real fear that doing so could impact their renunciation process,” says Durlacher. “We regularly see people decline participation in media stories out of concern it could affect their ESTA approval or their ability to travel to the U.S.”

That fear isn’t entirely unfounded. In recent years, the ESTA visa application process has begun requesting applicants’ social media accounts. “People are concerned that even mild criticism of the U.S. online could lead to denied entry,” Durlacher adds.

Help for a costly and complex process

Renouncing U.S. citizenship is a serious and often expensive undertaking. Americans Overseas offers personal guidance and tax advice for Dutch citizens with American nationality. “We help people understand their obligations and support them through every step of the process, ensuring they can move forward with peace of mind — legally and financially,” says Durlacher.

Get informed at Americans Overseas

We, the founders of Americans Overseas, were born in the Netherlands and obtained our American nationality through our (American) mother.

When we heard about the US tax system for the first time around 2013, we were in total disbelief (it can’t be true!), anger (how can they do this?), fear (am I going to get fined or pick up other problems?), and panic (what should I do?). It is (unfortunately) true that there is an additional American tax levy. But there’s no information from the local government, and when approached, the consulate referred us to the IRS, and the IRS was impenetrable.

That’s why we started this initiative to help people from all over the world by providing proper information about the US tax system to avoid unnecessary panic and offering help free of obligation and free of charge. If needed, we have a network of affordable professionals (accountants) who can help you with your American tax obligations.

Contact us for more information

Source: NH Nieuws – American Dutch renounce U.S. citizenship