Be me, Dutch investor Netherlands approved 36% unrealized gains tax WTF does that even mean Put $1,000 into stocks Year 1: • Stock goes to $2,000 • Government: "you made $1,000, pay $360 cash tax" • MFW I didn't sell anything • Forced to sell shares to pay • Everyone else forced to sell too • Mass panic selling • Stock crashes to $800 • I have $440 left after paying tax Year 2: • Stock recovers to $1,200 • Government: "you made $400, pay $144" • Forced selling again • Price drops to $900 • I have $756 left Year 3: • Stock at $1,000 • Government: "you made $100, pay $36"​ • Smart money has fled Netherlands • I have $964 in stock • MFW I paid $540 in taxes • MFW stock is back where it started (0% gain) • MFW I only have $460 left • Lost 54% on a stock that broke even MFW the government made more money off my investment than I did Government: "Thanks for the $540! 😊"