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Company formation · 6 min read

Sole proprietorship or company? This is how to know when the switch pays off.

You hear the “€45,000 profit rule” everywhere. It is only half true. These are the factors that really determine whether a company improves your net result.

M
M2b · Financieel Navigator
Published on 25 June 2026
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1. How much profit do you really make?

The well-known threshold of around €45,000 to €60,000 profit is a starting point, not a law. What matters is the profit you do not need to live on. That is precisely the part you can often tax more efficiently inside a company than in personal income tax, where top rates quickly rise to 50%.

2. How much do you need to live on?

If you withdraw every euro for private use, the advantage of a company is limited. If you can leave part of the profit inside the company or distribute it later via dividends, the picture changes. This is exactly what our advantage check estimates for you.

3. The power of spreading distributions

Inside a company, you first pay corporate income tax. What remains can be distributed later — for example via the VVPR-bis regime at 18% instead of the standard rate for distributions from 1 July 2026. That timing difference is often where the real benefit lies.

4. Do not forget the costs

A company also brings costs: incorporation, bookkeeping and annual accounts. Include them honestly. With a fixed fee, you know in advance where you stand and whether the net advantage remains positive.

Do you recognise yourself in this list? Then a conversation is definitely worthwhile.

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Curious about your figures?

Our free advantage check shows your estimated advantage in 2 minutes — based on your own profit and desired salary.

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This article is informative only and does not take your personal situation into account. It is not tax or legal advice. For a tailored calculation, schedule a conversation with M2b.

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