Netherlands has now approved a 36% tax on unrealized gains…
Let that sink in.
You invest €1,000.
Year 1:
• Stock doubles to €2,000
• You didn’t sell. Didn’t cash out. Didn’t touch it.
• Government: “Congrats on the €1,000 gain. That’s €360. In cash.”
• So now you’re forced to sell shares just to pay the bill.
• Everyone else does the same.
• Selling pressure spikes.
• Stock tanks to €800.
• After tax? You’ve effectively got €440 left.
Year 2:
• Stock rebounds to €1,200
• Government: “Another €400 gain. Pay €144.”
• More forced selling.
• Price drops again.
• You’re down to €756.
Year 3:
• Stock crawls back to €1,000 — exactly where it started.
• Government: “That €100 move? We’ll take €36.”
• Capital starts leaving the country.
• Investors stop playing the game.
Total taxes paid: €540.
Total actual gain: €0.
Value left in your pocket: €460.
You lost 54%… on an investment that broke even.
The only guaranteed winner?
The government:
“Thanks for the contribution, you’re helping to make society more equitable.”