In the Netherlands it is possible to discuss your specific tax position with the Dutch tax authorities and mutually agree on the tax consequences thereof. The Dutch tax authorities and the taxpayer are bound by the agreement they make. The agreement has to be regarding the interpretation and qualification of facts. The ruling has to be in conformity with the Dutch tax legislation. In other words the agreement cannot be in conflict with the Dutch tax legislation (contra legem). In August 2004, the Dutch ruling policy was formalized in an advance tax ruling (ATR) policy and an advance pricing agreement (APA) policy.