Amsterdam’s Concertgebouw concert hall has been found to have violated charity tax regulations for several years, potentially resulting in tens of millions of euros in untaxed donations and inheritances. The Financieele Dagblad reported that the tax office has formally objected to the support foundation responsible for collecting donations for the Concertgebouw since 2001.

The arrangement, in place since 2001, must be completely restructured by January 1, 2026, to maintain its tax benefits, according to the tax office. Director Simon Reinink assured NOS that a restructuring will occur and affirmed there was no deliberate misconduct, while acknowledging the structure did not comply with the letter of the law. The Concertgebouw NV will also be converted into a foundation.

The fund holds cultural ANBI charitable status, exempting it from gift tax and allowing donors to deduct contributions from their taxes. However, the ultimate beneficiary, Concertgebouw NV, established in 1882, is a public limited company, not a charitable foundation.

The Concertgebouw, primarily funded privately for almost 150 years, is a successful fundraising institution, having accumulated around €100 million in the last 25 years, largely allocated to maintaining the historic building. It remains uncertain if the Concertgebouw will be required to repay tens of millions of euros in back taxes. Reinink stated there has been no indication from tax authorities that this will happen.

The governing bodies of both entities include prominent Dutch business leaders. Former Ahold CEO Dick Boer has chaired the Concertgebouw NV since 2017, and ex-Shell chief Jeroen van der Veer recently stepped down as chairman of the support foundation after completing his second term.

When questioned about how such breaches could occur under such experienced leadership, Reinink responded that no one ever questioned the legal correctness of the arrangement, stating that raising money for a good cause was the focus and that no one benefited personally.