Start with the right company
A trade name can belong to more than one company. Therefore, search for KVK number and check the name of the legal entity. According to the KVK, BVs and NVs must almost always file annual accounts. This obligation usually does not apply to sole proprietorships, general partnerships and partnerships. If you do not find any annual accounts, this may be due to the legal form or the lack of filing.
Not every financial year is available
The latest calendar year is not automatically the latest available financial year. A company only files after the end of its reporting period. Check both the fiscal year and the filing date: a 2024 document may have been filed in 2025. Our route only shows actually available documents. If you first look for which years have been registered, view the overview of filings.
Why does the content differ?
Annual accounts usually contain a balance sheet and, depending on the publication, also a profit and loss account and explanatory notes. How much detail is published depends, among other things, on the size of the legal entity. A small legal entity can therefore have a much more concise public document than a large one. Before purchasing, check whether you need a balance sheet, turnover figures or an explanation; those parts are not guaranteed to be in every file.
PDF with or without seal
The KVK offers uncertified PDFs, PDF-converted XBRL files and, where available, digitally certified PDFs. Only annual accounts filed as PDF or converted to PDF can be digitally certified. A print does not contain a verifiable digital seal; the original PDF file retains its electronic seal. Our ordering route supports available PDF variants; XBRL and ESEF files are excluded. View the available annual statement variants and price and ask the recipient whether a certification is required.
What do the numbers say?
A balance sheet shows assets, liabilities and equity on the balance sheet date. Figures on revenues and costs belong to the reporting period. Therefore, do not compare an old balance sheet directly with a company's current payment capacity. Read the explanation and any comparative figures, and use a current extract for the current registration. Annual accounts alone are not a creditworthiness assessment.
Check before you request annual accounts
- Is the KVK number of the legal entity correct?
- Has the desired financial year actually been filed?
- Do you need a readable PDF or does your recipient specifically request a seal?
- What figures should the document contain? The published content varies per company.
Sources and review
Content checked on . Product availability varies by business.