The 1996 Dutch Chess Championship took place from 7 June to 19 June 1996 at Theater De Balie in Amsterdam. Jan Timman became Dutch chess champion for the ninth and final time in his career. The main sponsor of the tournament was Wolters Kluwer.

Timman returned to the Dutch Championship after a long absence. His previous appearance had been in 1987. Timman began the tournament with two draws, but then hit top form by winning seven consecutive games. Going into the final round, Timman held a full-point lead over defending champion Ivan Sokolov. However, Timman lost his final-round game while Sokolov won, leaving both players tied on 8½ points and forcing a playoff match.

The match began on 11 November 1996. Timman secured the title after four games.