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eHerkenning: what is it — and do you really need it?
You hear it everywhere: eHerkenning. Useful? Yes. Mandatory? Sometimes. Here’s the honest answer: if you work with Conta AI, you don’t need your own eHerkenning for VAT/CIT filings—we handle the connection and authorisation on your behalf. With other tools this can differ.
Article written by
Piyush Hemnani
What is eHerkenning (in 10 seconds)
eHerkenning is the business version of DigiD: one secure login for hundreds of (government) services like the Tax Administration, UWV, KVK, and municipalities.
Do you need eHerkenning for Tax Administration filings?
Companies (BV/VOF/foundation, etc.): to log in to Mijn Belastingdienst Zakelijk you need EH3 (or higher). You can choose regular EH3 or Belastingdienst EH3.
Sole proprietors: in many cases can just use DigiD.
Working with Conta AI? Then we arrange the Belastingdienst connection and authorisation. You don’t need to purchase eHerkenning for your filings.
“Can someone else log in on my behalf?”
Yes. That’s chain authorisation (ketenmachtiging): you authorise a software partner/accountant to log in with eHerkenning and file on behalf of your company. This is recorded via your eHerkenning provider with a (digital) authorisation form.
When should you arrange eHerkenning yourself?
You want to log in to Mijn Belastingdienst Zakelijk yourself (without software/bookkeeper doing it) → EH3 required.
You handle other online government matters (e.g., UWV, KVK, permits/subsidies) → eHerkenning is the standard login.
Which level do you need?
Tax Administration: EH3 (regular or “Belastingdienst EH3”).
What does it cost — and is there compensation?
Costs differ per accredited provider (annual subscription). For Belastingdienst EH3 there was a compensation scheme; it can be applied for one last time in 2025 for costs made for filings over 2024.
Decision tree (30 seconds)
Do you use Conta AI?
→ No need to buy your own eHerkenning for filings. We do it for you via authorisation.Are you a sole proprietor logging in yourself?
→ DigiD often suffices.Do you log in yourself to MBD‑Zakelijk or use other software that doesn’t log in on your behalf?
→ Buy EH3 (preferably “Belastingdienst EH3”) from an accredited provider.
FAQs
How do I apply for eHerkenning?
Via an accredited provider (official list/overview).
What exactly is chain authorisation?
An authorisation that lets your software/bookkeeper log in and file on your behalf; you set this up via the provider and (if needed) with a form from the Tax Administration.
Do I always need EH3?
For Tax Administration portals: yes, EH3 or higher. For other services the level can differ, but EH3 is the safe standard for tax matters.
Summary
eHerkenning = business DigiD for government and agencies.
Tax Administration requires EH3 if you log in yourself as a company.
Sole proprietors can often use DigiD.
Chain authorisation lets software/bookkeepers log in for you.
Conta AI customers don’t need to buy eHerkenning for filings—we arrange the authorisation.
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