Tax ID in Germany (Steuer-ID): how to get it and where to find it

Who needs it

Mandatory, but automatic. Everyone who is registered at an address in Germany is given a Steuerliche Identifikationsnummer (tax identification number, often called Steuer-ID or IdNr), including babies. You need it for:

• your employer, who uses it to get your tax class and deduct income tax;
• your tax return;
• benefits and insurers, such as Kindergeld, pension and health insurance, which report data to the tax office;
• banks, which must record it for account holders.

It is 11 digits long, contains no personal information, and never changes, even if you move, marry or change your name.

When

You get it after your first Anmeldung in Germany. The registration office sends your data to the Federal Central Tax Office (Bundeszentralamt für Steuern, BZSt), which then posts the letter to your registered address. There is no fixed timeframe. It depends on how quickly the data is passed on.

What you need

Nothing for the first letter: it comes automatically.

To request it again, you need:

• surname and first name(s), spelled as in your ID document;
• your registered address (main residence);
• date and place of birth.

How to do it

If you are waiting for your first tax ID

1. Complete your Anmeldung and put your name on the letterbox.
2. Wait for the letter from the Bundeszentralamt für Steuern. It shows your 11-digit number. Keep it with your important papers.
3. If nothing has arrived three months after registering, send the BZSt a copy of your ID document and your registration confirmation (Meldebestätigung). The BZSt then checks with the registration office and sends you the number.

If you lost it or can't find it

1. Look first on your annual wage tax statement (Lohnsteuerbescheinigung) from your employer or on an income tax assessment (Einkommensteuerbescheid). The number is usually printed there.
2. Request it again using the BZSt online form "Erneute Mitteilung der IdNr" (in German). The chatbot on the page can help you fill it in.
3. Wait for the letter. Processing currently takes up to four weeks, sometimes longer. It goes only to your registered address.

What happens afterwards

Once your employer has your tax ID and date of birth, they fetch your tax details electronically. These include your tax class, church-tax status and any allowances (ELStAM). Your tax class then appears on your payslip. See tax classes.

Common problems

I start work before my tax ID arrives. What will my employer do?

If it is not your fault that you don't have the number yet, your employer may calculate tax using your expected tax class for up to three months. Once the number arrives, they correct the earlier months. If you still haven't provided it after three months, your employer must apply tax class VI (the highest deduction) retroactively. So tell your employer as soon as the letter arrives.

What is the difference between Steuer-ID and Steuernummer?

Employees usually only need the Steuer-ID. Freelancers and the self-employed also get a Steuernummer for invoices and tax filings. See freelancing.

Can I get a tax ID without an Anmeldung?

Normally the tax ID follows the Anmeldung. People who work in Germany but live abroad (for example seasonal workers) are handled differently. Their employer's tax office arranges it, so ask your employer.

Can I file a tax return without my tax ID?

Yes. The BZSt says you can submit your income tax return without it, because your tax office knows it or can find it.

My tax ID letter went to my old address.

The number itself doesn't change. Request it again with the online form. It will be sent to your current registered address.

Costs

There is no fee for the tax ID or for having it sent again.