The Dutch turnover or value added tax system is based on the European Directive concerning tax on added value. Tax is due the Added Value (VAT or ‘BTW’ in Dutch). This entails that tax is charged at each and every stage of the production chain and in the distribution of goods and services. Businesses charge one another VAT for goods and/or services provided. The company that charges the VAT is required to pay the VAT amount to the tax authorities. If a company is charged VAT by another company, it is entitled to deduct the VAT amount from VAT due on the company’s part. By doing so, the system ensures that the end user is effectively responsible for paying the VAT.