Calls for a rethink on planned changes in the 30% tax ruling for expats have fallen on deaf ears in parliament, the Parool reports.

Amsterdam city council wrote to junior tax minister Frans Weekers last week, urging him to reconsider his plans. And Rotterdam and The Hague are also concerned about the effect of the changes – which introduce a high income limit – on their international workforces.
The 30% ruling means certain categories of expats do not have to pay tax over the first 30% of their salaries. But the new income limit means expats will have to earn at least €70,000 to qualify, tax experts say. They must also come from at least 150 km from the Dutch border.
Out of hand
VVD MP Helma Neperus told the Parool the scheme was ‘out of hand’. ‘If all those companies think their foreign staff are so special, then they could pay them a salary of over €70,000,’ the MP was quoted as saying.
GroenLinks MP Bruno Braakhuis said the entire scheme should be scrapped, apart from for academics and researchers. Multinationals already have enough tax breaks, he said.
Labour MP Ed Groot said he wanted to hear from the minister how many people claim the tax break. ‘It is a very generous ruling,’ he said. ‘As I see it, everyone has to make sacrifices.’
Nevertheless, it is important to make sure Amsterdam remains a cosmopolitan centre, he said.
Earlier stories
Big cities fear 30% ruling changes will drive out expats and companies

Minister to stop 30% ruling for low earning expats
Dutch nationals take advantage of 30% ruling
Opinion pieces
Belgians and many Germans disqualified from 30% ruling