This I’m sure of: getting your German tax ID number will not be the most exciting event of your new life here. It’s however an essential document for your life as a tax payer.
At the end of this post, you will understand how it works, why you need it, where to get one and what to do if you lost it.
What is your German tax ID: Steuernummer & Steuer ID
Confusingly enough, there are 2 numbers assigned to you when you first arrive in Germany, with different uses and attributes.
Steuernummer
The tax number (Steuernummer) is issued by your local tax office (Finanzamt) when you register in a new city. It’s the number you will see & use most often as a tax payer. On official letters, it might be referenced as Steuer-Identnummer or St-Nr.
It’s a 10-13 digit number with the following format: 12/345/67890. This is the logic behind it:
- First 2/3 digits: tax office’s reference number.
- Next 2/3 digits: district’s reference number.
- Next 4/3 digits: personal reference number.
- Last digit: Check digit.
This number can be subject to change if your move to a different city or location, or if you change between being employed & being self-employed. If your situation changes, the Finanzamt will automatically send you a new number.
Employees will most often use their Steuernummer when dealing with the Finanzamt.
Freelancers can communicate their Steuernummer to their clients or suppliers, in order for German invoices to be legally binding. It is also used when declaring/paying VAT or trade tax.
Steuer Identifikationsnummer, Steuer-ID or TIN
The tax identification number (Steueridentifikationsnummer) is a number issued the central German tax office. It is issued only once and unique to you. This number is given at birth or whenever you first register in Germany. On official letters, it may be named Steuer-ID or TIN (for Tax Identification Number) as well.
It’s a 11 digit number which follows that format: 12 345 678 901. The combination of numbers is purposefully unclear, to avoid any identifying characteristics.
Your Steuer-ID never changes, even if you move locations within Germany, if you get married, change jobs, become a freelancer, etc.
Employees need their Steuer-ID so their employers can calculate the appropriate amount of income tax to apply to your gross income, based on the info behind it. This is also required when doing your yearly tax return, when applying for child benefits, opening accounts with banks among others.
Freelancers use their Steuer-ID far less than their Steuernummer. It is mostly used for the yearly tax return as well.
Why there are 2 different numbers
In short, a 2007 act planned to do away with the local German tax ID (Steuernummer), in order to replace it with a unique central one (Steuer-ID). This was aiming at:
- simplify communication between you and the tax authorities – and also between the authorities (e.g. tax offices, family and pension funds).
- make tax avoidance more difficult.
- prevent benefits to be paid twice incorrectly (e.g: child benefits).
It is however not meant to become a universal personal identifier. It is not clear when the Steuernummer will disappear so there is only one German tax ID number.
Where do I get my German tax ID?
When you are first registering in Germany
During your Anmeldung in Germany, you will have the opportunity to notify the clerk your desire to work in Germany.
In this case, 2 things happen:
- The information is shared with the central tax office. It will send your Steuer-ID to you by post within 2-3 weeks.
- The information is shared with the local tax office. It will send your Steuernummer to you by post within 2-5 weeks.
If you need one or both urgently, wait a few days before going to your local Finanzamt (local tax office). The administration needs that time to update your case/files first. You can request a paper copy in person there. You only to need to bring your Meldebescheinigung & passport/ID card with you.
You can find your local tax office by entering your postal code on this page.
Take a number, wait in line, answer a few questions and after 10 minutes, you will hold your own German tax ID number in your hands.
If you have lost your German tax ID
You can find your Steuer-ID again on a few documents:
- On the A4 paper you got from the central tax office (Bundeszentralamt für Steuern) when your first registered. It’s a document called “Zuteilung der Identifikationsnummer“.
- If you have done a tax return, it’s also located towards the top of the tax return statement sent by your local Finanzamt.
- It’s also located on your payslips, or yearly wage tax statements (Lohnsteuerbescheinigung) sent by your employer.
- Your employer can also give it to you if needed.
- You can also request a new copy by filling in a simple form on this page. You will receive it by post a few days later..
Your Steuernummer is located on any correspondance with your Finanzamt. You can also call there and a request a new copy.
Starting a job without a German tax ID
While employers do need your Steuer-ID in order to assign you to the right tax class & apply the right wage tax, it is not mandatory to start a job.
However, this does mean that you will be assigned to tax class 6, which the least optimized class of all. This results in a higher tax rate. Your net salary will be lower than it would otherwise be. However, it is possible to get back the difference when doing a tax return the following year.
German tax number & self-employement
Next to your German tax ID, you might also need a VAT number (Umsatzsteuer Nummer). This is not compulsory but required if you decide to bill with VAT included. This is to be requested when you register, or whenever you reach a certain treshold.
If you want to become a freelancer and don’t know where to start for bureaucracy, I have made a dedicated post on the matter here.
Tax number & religion
You will be asked if you are believer or not. Don’t take it personally it is simply used to determine if you should pay taxes for the catholic, protestant, church etc. If you aren’t much in all that, don’t forget to state that you are an atheist ! Otherwise, you will pay more taxes! If you already made that mistake, there is also a way out. More information here.
SSN & Tax ID
In some countries, there is one unique identifier for all things related to taxes & welfare with the public authorities. This is not the case in Germany where privacy concerns are strong. Your tax ID is not the same as your social security number.
German tax number – FAQ
No, it is not mandatory. However, this will result in a higher tax rate on your payslip. When you register and eventually get one, you will be able to get the difference back when doing a tax return.
Foreign students who come here for studies don’t need a tax number if they don’t work.
Your Steuer-ID can be found on your payslips, or yearly tax return statements. You can also request it from your employer or from the central tax office. Your Steuernummer can be found on correspondence with the local Finanzamt.
No. There is no unique identifier in Germany. You will have separate numbers due to privacy concerns from the German authorities.
I hope this overview about getting a German tax ID number was useful to you. Don’t hesitate to ask questions in the comments if something is unclear.
Bastien
Temporary tx number.
Hi Bastien,
I recently immegrated to berlin. tho i own a german national.
I am still subletting and haven’t acquired anmeldung.
I heard there is a way to obtain a temporary tax number through finanzamt. i need it so i can start working until i obtain a permanent residency.
Do you know what procedures or what forms i need to fill to get the temporary tax number?
Your site is very usefull. thank you for this sacred job your’e doing.
Sapir s.
Hello Sapir. Not sure what you meant there: do you have a german passport or id card? Regardless, you need the anmeldung to get a tax number. As mentioned in the post, you can start working without one but you will be taxed at the maximum rate until you get a proper tax card. Hope this helps.
Hi Bastien
Sorry for replying on a thread, i cant find how to start a new questions –
I lost the letter that had my tax ID number on it and now need it urgently to get paid from my first job in Germany (so no payslips to refer to). The website you linked doesn’t have a form on it to submit to – but asides from that I urgently need it in order to receive my pay in full. What is the fastest way to get my tax ID number? The finanzamt turned me away with the website through which you request tax ID. If I go to a burgeramt is there a possibility for me to get it there? Please help.
For more context – I just started my working holiday visa as an Australian and have been working at a job for the past two weeks. In order to be paid the cafe needs my Tax ID number and since I am living off part-time hospitality wage, I can’t really afford to be taxed in the maximum bracket. So I am desperately trying to recover the tax ID Number as soon as possible so that I can get my wage and pay rent. I am willing to try anything to get it asap.
Hey Joe. I don’t get it. This link allows you to request a new copy, as written in the post. I’m not so sure what the problem is? Don’t you see it?
Hi there – If I receive German citizenship via ancestry as an adult – is all the registration exactly the same in the following circumstances:
1. Work remotely in Germany without a tax number at first
2. Work in Germany without a tax number at first
3. Work in other EU or EFTA countries eg Norway/Switzerland?
thanks
Hey Derek. I’m not so sure what to reply here… You need to be a German resident to get a tax ID, so when you first arrive here, there will be a transition period. Can you give me more context?
Hi! I recently graduated highschool and I will be working in Germany for one month during the summer before I go to uni (in a different coubtry). The problem is: I am starting work right as I arrive (I am unable to go earlier) and my employer requires a Steuer-ID. Is it possible to apply for one online? What do I do? The entire situation is super confusing and I am handling such documents for the first time in my life.
Hey Sylvia. There is no way to request one online before you arrive in Germany, register and so on, like in the steps described in the post above. As mentioned above, the employer can start the contract without a SteuerID; only the wrong taxation scheme will be applied. You are a typical edge case where slow bureaucracy goes in the way of your work experience. Good luck with it all!
Hi,
I need a clarification. I had received the personal identification number when I was deputed to germany for work purposes from india. But i returned after 8 months and city de-registration was done. And now I am back in germany on a spouse visa, after City registration its been 3 months I have not recived any Personal identification number. I would like to know how to proceed in this situation.
Hey Swathi. As mentioned in the post, you can request a new copy there.
Hi Bastien,
I have received an offer from a DE company but I will work remote in the first months until moving to DE.
From my understanding I will use class 0 tax. Do you know if I need to get a TaxID Steuernummer, or is not needed since I am not interested in getting residence.
Also, do you recommend any fiscal consultant for a (paid) session?
Would be great to have someone to ask more detailed questions in 1-2hours discussion.
Thank you for your work
Hello Masi. Your tax class or getting a Steuernummer is irrelevant as long as your are not a German resident. For those months working remote, your income will be taxed wherever you are right now. When you move to Germany eventually and register there, you can have those things. Hope this helps.
Hi, Bastien
May I know usually how long will it take for Finanzamt to communicate my correct Tax Klass to my employer. They’ve randomly assigned my Klass 6 now and since I’m staying here alone and my wife is not a German resident yet, I think it should be Klass 1 for me. But I’m not sure how long can they correct it? It’s making my budget quite tight.
Thanks!
Hey Yuanqi. As a rule, it’s usually corrected in the month after your tax class change request has been processed by the Finanzamt.
Thanks for the clear summary. That helps people further!
Hey, can’t find an answer on the internet… I’m switching from Freelance to Full time. Do you know what I’m supposed to do? Am I supposed to tell the Finanzamt? No idea how to do this if so…
Hey Quincy. It depends. Do you want to keep your self-employement next to your full-time job (which you can)? The steps to take to do your Abmeldung as a Gerwerbe differs from Abmeldung as a Freiberufler. Which one are you?
I did my register on Monday , the tax ID is supposed to arrive to my address in two three weeks but I need it earlier. I can get it on the Finanzmat … but how? I read they are already close. Thanks in advance
Hey Ignacio. That’s a great question. It depends on each Finanzamt’s policy. Better check their website what they say.
Hey! Such a question. If I am not already in Germany, but I need to get this code, can I get it in another country? I have friends in Germany, but I am not registered at that address, can I ask them to send me this code to their address?
Hello. No, you need to be a German resident first.
Hi Bastien,
I have a question:
My wife and daughter joined me a months ago in Germany.
2 weeks later arrived The Steuer ID nummer but only for the child, not my wife.
So I need to wait longer for it as I want this number to change my steuer class of taxes.
Thanks
Hey Gent, you can request a SteuerID at the Finanzamt or online.
Hi Bastien,
First, thanks for the site, it is really helpful.
My wife is supposed to start working for a company in Germany and she is supposed to be physically in germany by july. Unfortunately due to the covid situation we can’t go to germany right now but the company needs the tax id number in order to start paying her.
I have three questions related to that :
– can we use our friend or family address in Germany to do the anmeldung and then get the Tax ID ( send by mail to that address if I read correctly previous posts) ?
– Does the address have to be in the same lander as the company where she is going to work. In our case, address would be in Berlin but the place of work will be Munich.
-Does the appmeldung site you are referring allows us to do the process directly online ? If so what is the cost ?
In advance, thank you for your help :-]
Alexandre
Salut Alexandre. If you don’t have an address in Germany, backed by some sort of tenancy/sub-tenancy contract, you won’t be able to do the Anmeldung. You don’t need to register in the same city where you work. Appmeldung does not allow to register online, as this is Germany and the public authorities are not digitalized, no API available. It only helps you to fill in the form. You wife can start to work for this company without a tax ID, as a non-resident I believe (Steuerklasse 0). She will be taxed more however.
Hi Bastien,
thanks a lot for the answers. I am a bit surprised so. If I understand clearly, I would need a tenancy contract even if staying at my family’place ?
Thanks you,
Alexandre
Hey Alexandre, more details about how to proceed in this case in the dedicated post about the Anmeldung. You would still a confirmation from the landlord, if your family or friend doesn’t own their place.
Hi Bastien,
thank you for the answers. I just want to confirm with you that even if we have family or friends in Germany, we need to have a renting contract with them ( for instance renting a bedroom in their appartement) in order to process the anmeldung ?
Thanks again
Alexandre
Hi Bastien, very clear.
Sorr6 my post was sent twice.
Thank you for your time and your site. It is very usefull..
Alexandre
Hello,
I worked in Berlin for a month last March and never received my Steuernummer. Would it be possible to lodge my tax return without one? I do have a Identifikationsnummer though.
Thank you very much.
Hey Mich. Since you have worked, you definitely have been assigned a Steuernummer already, which you need for your tax return. It’s easy to get a new copy.
I’m no longer in Germany so no address 🙁 How may I ask for that number? Thank you!
So if you had not been assigned a Steuernummer yet, you can submit a tax return without one. Leaving the Steuernummer field empty.
Hey, this may be a silly question but if I’m registered as a freelancer in Germany and then move out of Germany. Does that invalidate my VAT number?
Hey Jaini. Well, you can’t use it after you move out of the country, if that is what you mean.
Really cool to see that you still reply. Thanks! A small feedback – the link “on this page” under the heading “When you are first registering in Germany” is broken.
Fixed. Cheers.
Good day, I will like to enquire on this platform how I can get my Tax card and Insurance card too. Am an Irish citizen and I have an employment here but my I want to get my Tax and Insurance process my self. Have already process my Anmeldung. I want you to give me the guidelines on how I can go by the process. Thanks
Hey Wendy. Tax ID is covered in this post. And you can read more about health insurance here.
heyy bastien, i reistered myself at the Burgeramt(in Heidelberg) 5-7 months ago and didnt recieve anything apart from the ANMELdDNG. At that time i didnt knew about tax id. Now i moved to Berlin and like to work as a student but i have no tax id.
Can you suggest me , where can i get one
Hey Shubh. Well you can do this.
Hello!
One question; is it possible to get the Steueridentifikationsnummer without being in Germany? I start my contract on nov. 1st but I need the number for signing it. I understand that I need the Anmeldung in order to get the Steuer-ID nummer, but I also understand that is is not possible to get either (Anmeldung or Steuer-ID) without being there. Is there any possibility of doing this Online? Ideally I want to have verything ready for when I arrive there.
Thanks for everything,
Ignacio
Hey Ignacio. You first need to have been a German resident. Your company must know that.
Hi, thanks so much for your advice!
I’m EU citizen and lived in Berlin until a year ago when I moved to another EU country but did not do “abmeldung” ’cause I have property in Berlin for which I’m paying taxes. Is that allowed or should I do abmeldung? If I do that, can I still keep my German bank account?
Ada
Hey Ada. You may want to double check this with a Steuerberater but since you are not a German resident anymore, you should be not registered as such in Germany. Depending on how your new country system works, you’d need to pay taxes on the income you get from the German flat over there. All other local taxes related to your property in Berlin should be paid as usual.
Thank you so much for your reply. My Steuerberater could not give me any reply. I’m regularly paying taxes here in the UK from the income I get from my flat in Germany. Is it possible to unregister from Berlin after more than a year that I left? What could happen if I don’t unregister?
Hey Ada. As i have said, if you are not a German resident anymore, you should not registered as such. You can still own property in Germany and be a UK resident.
Hello !
Thank you for the amazing articles and tips .Anyways I have a question . Its been almost three seasons that I am working during summer break as a student in germany ( otherwise i have serbian passport and i actually study and live there ) , and i pay taxes here as well for those three months that i actually work here . Yesterday I got lohn abrechnung for 2018/2019 and tried to refund my taxes through Taxfix but i cannot finalize it without SteurIdnummer. What’s concerning me is that I cannot get a steur idnummer since i have only a work permit as a student for those three months. .. I dont know what to do , So is there any possibility to refund my taxes??
thank you alot ! greetings from Serbia
Hey Anita. Do you mean the Steuernummer now?
Hey, I am a freelancer in Berlin and are going to move out permanently from Germany. How do i cancel my Steuernummer?
Hey Nathalie. Have you seen this post about moving out of Germany? You
Thank you a lot! Its very helpfull
Hi! I am starting my job in July but it is extremely difficult to get an appointment for Anmeldung and therefore also get the Tax ID. Do you know the tax percentage that will be retained from the salary until I get all the documents?
Hey Tomas. I think you will be put in tax class 6 automatically, although you can get the difference next year, when doing a tax return.
I have identification number 11 digits only. Not steuer number. How can I get steuer number? I have not done job and declaration of pay is not possible. Will identification number work?
Hey Shafiqe, as mentioned in the post, the best is to go to your Finanzamt to request one manually.
Hello, thanks for the great post.
I did my city registration and also got my Steuer Id. My employer is asking me for the Steuer Id. Till now I used to think that this is enough. But now I am a bit confused whether I also need a Steuernummer? The person at Finanzamt told me that I will get Steuernummer only when I do my first tax declaration. Can you please help me in understanding whether for regular employees like me do I also need to give Steuernummer to my employer or only the Steuer Id will do?
Thank you!
Hello!
I do not have an Anmeldung, but I would like to register for a Tax ID because of my current full time employment.
I don’t want an Anmeldung because I live with my boyfriend…but will I need this for getting a tax ID?
Many thanks!
Hey Irene. You will need to register yes.
Hallo Bastien. I do not have an Anmeldung too, but i have Tax id, Sozialversicherungsnummer,bank konto. because i worked earlier in Germany.
Can i start this week with work without Anmeldung, because i have termin even on 7 July. I have EU passport too.
Hey Ivan. Yes, you can start without being registered but you will be taxed more. Honestly, i don’t understand how can you can have all those things without the Anmeldung done first…
Hey all!
Does somebody know how does it work to get a tax ID for side hustles while being officially employed?
thanks a lot !
Hey Elodie, you can be freelancing and employed at the same time, that is not an issue. When you register as a freelancer (see guide here), the Finanzamt might or might not give you a new Steuernummer.
thanks for your great job for helping the peoples,
I want to be freelancer in Amazon company,to invest on products which i import from outside of Germany do i need to register for tax number or Vat number, which i have to pay tax quarterly to the Government
Hey Ahmad. Yes, that would be considered a Gewerbe.
Hi, I did an internship for 5 months (I had 6 months visa) in Germany on 2018 in Berlin and I had my tax ID, then I left Germany for more than a year. I will be back again to Germany next month, do I need a new tax ID or I can use my old one?
Hey Amira, you can go the Finanzamt and ask there directly. Your Identifikationsnummer will probably remain the same, but if you move back somewhere else in Germany, your Steuernummer will probably change.
Hello, I applied for a freelance tax and VAT ID number. I received that the tax ID in the mail but I am still waiting for VAT ID – it’s been 2 months now. I believe that comes separately. Is that normal to wait this long to get the VAT number? Thank you.
Hi Bastien, the link you provided for the online form to request a Steuernummer doesn’t work (this one – https://www.bzst.de/DE/Steuern_National/Steuerliche_Identifikationsnummer/ID_Eingabeformular/ID_Node.html). Can you update that, please?
Hey Eliza. Thanks for catching that. It’s been updated now : https://www.bzst.de/DE/Privatpersonen/SteuerlicheIdentifikationsnummer/Mitteilung_IdNr/mitteilung_IdNr_node.html
Hello! Thank you for the detailed article 🙂
Berlin newbie here, and just got my ameldung done. However, I haven’t mentioned about the tax id request to the office worker during registration (as I just read your sharing, ya).
So question is: will I also get the tax id mail to me? Or where should I get one?
Hey Jodie. You can also go to the Finanzamt to request one.
Hi,
Currently my husband is in tax category 1. And i came to Germany now. I will go to Berlin registation office to do the address registation. Now my question is it required for my husband to do the registration again as a married couple as he needs to change the tax category to 4, or it will automatically happen if i do the registration only?
Hey Manami. You need to register your marriage here in Germany, with a an appropriate marriage certificate.
Hi.I am working for a german company worldwide but I’m not living in Germany.How can I get a Steuernummer ? Or is it possible without Anmeldung ? Thanks!
Hey Rob. You are probably taxed from your home country/place of residence then. Why is a Steuernummer needed here?
Well I am going to pay the taxes in Germany and without Steuernummer they will put me in Steuerklasse 6.I think the bureaucracy is really complicated if I want to pay the taxes in my home country and I think both counties can charge me.
But I think I have found a way 🙂
https://www.finanzverwaltung.nrw.de/de/wohnsitz-im-ausland-was-muss-ich-beim-lohnsteuerabzug-beachten
Thanks for the update.
Hi, do you know if they already merged the Steuernummer and the Identifikationsnummer? I only got a letter with the last one. If they didn’t, then where do I find the former one? Thank you!
Hello, I am from Turkey and I would like to get TAX number from germany. Which documents will i fill and to where, will i send this docs?
thank you
Hey Melisa. You’d need to register here, as mentioned in the post.
Hello!could you please tell me if I neee to ask for a new tax number if I moved from Bayern to Berlin?
Thx!
Hey Margarita. It’s likely your Steuernummer would change. Better ask yes.
Filling in the Steuernummer form and wondering when the business start date should be. My first registered address in Berlin was November 2017 and I continued to work freelance (as a video editor) for UK companies long-distance while doing a minijob here. I declared my income in both the UK and Germany that year. My first/only freelance job in Berlin I invoiced for in September 2018. Do you know which date I should put down as the business start date? Also the predicted income should be for 2018-2019 or 2019-2020? I’m guessing the prediction should include the minijob too or just freelance work?
Obviously I am pretty late with this and not sure if there is a penalty for that.. any pointers would be much appreciated 🙂
Hey S. I would play safe and put the date you registered as a freelancer here in Germany. Your predicition for income with your business should only account for your business.
Hey S. I would play safe and put the date you registered as a freelancer here in Germany. Your prediction for income with your business should only account for your business.
Hi,
I am registered as living with my family in Baden-Württemberg, but have worked mostly in Luxembourg, so never had to register for tax purposes in Germany.
Now I have a new job starting in Berlin next Monday, should I go to the Finanzamt upon arrival in Berlin to request the Steuernummer & ID or can someone from my new Company request this on my behalf?
Hey Rob. Your company can help you apply for it, but you still have to do it yourself.
Hi, which documents are necessary in order to receive a Steuernummer?
Hey Ana. No documents, just that you registered at the Bürgeramt before.
Hello,
I registered from the City center because i was moving to other country.
After 3 months i joined in Germany again then i did city registration and my tay id is same
but my payroll provider saying that you need to register again in the tax office.
Because the deduction is more in my salary slip.
Hi, is it possible to know the unique German Tax ID from Finanzamt?
Yes, you can request one via this link.
Hi!
I’m a bit confused. If I go to the Bürgeramt for Anmeldung, do I get it right now if I have an appointment? Also do I need my Steuernummer and Lohnsteuerkarte for the first period of working? Because I’m afraid that I won’t receive them in time and what if it needs for the contract or sallary? There’s not too much time between my moving and my first working day.
Hey Naomi. No, you don’t get it right away. It’s not needed to sign the contract but you might pay a higher tax rate for the time you don’t have a tax ID.
Hi, thank you for the amazing articles. How do we let the burgeramt know that we want a tax no. as well? Is there somehwere on the anmeldungs form we can do that?
Kind Regards
Mandy
Hey Mandeepa. Just let the worker know you need a Steuernummer as well, during your appointment at the Bürgeramt.
Hello!
Thank you for being available for questions, it’s amazing.
I have worked in Stuttgart in sept/oct 2018.
I did not and have never lived in Germany, I just worked there then.
I have one document listing all I earned and all the tax stuff that was taken from it.
It says ‘ID number’ at some part at the top but there is no number there.
Can it be possible I didn’t get a number? And does that mean I’m in trouble now?
Do you know how I can take care of this/obtain one?
I hope it can done through internet and post because I am in Mexico for the next months.
Thank you very much!
Naomi
Hey Naomi. You are not a German resident so you should not worry about this. You are to declare to declare your income wherever you are resident.
Hi, I am living in Berlin with my husband and working from Home for an Indian company. What I should do for my tax id and my registration is in process I just applied for it.
Hey there. If you are going to be a German resident, you’d need to pay income tax on this job here.
Hi I registered 2017and did not get my tax id. My friend got his withen few weeks, and i am about to start a new job in berlin please how can i go about it
I live in Berlin but my residential address is in Munich, do i need to go ever to munich to apply for the tax id or. Ot
Hey Peace. You can request a new copy via the link in the post.
Hello,
I am a French student and I am looking for a summer job in Germany. However, I have been unable to find any piece of information regarding my situation. Do I need a Steuernummer although I will only be staying in Germany for a month, and not moving to Germany? Companies I have applied to are uncertain of how to register me for the taxes, the social insurance etc…
Hi!
Your post is very good, it clarified a lot of questions.
I still have a different situation though. I’m currently working for a company in Berlin, but I want to make freelances too. I have my Steuer ID but I don’t have a Steuernummer for invoices. Do you know if I this is needed in case of small extra jobs?
Best, Denise
Hey Denise. Yes, you need this. More info there.
Hey there,
Thanks a lot for all the useful information. I am still confused in what to do in my situation. I live and study Mechanical Engineering in Greece, so I am a Greek resident and the summer of 2018 I worked at Daimler in Berlin for almost 2 months in a Ferienbeschaftigung. I have recieved my Lohnsteuerbescheinigung and I see that they have put me in Steuerklasse 6. I have not worked anywhere else except from Daimler so I should have been in Steuerklasse 1. The problem is that my permanent residency is in Greece and while I was in Germany I lived in a pension. So I couln’t issue for a Steuernummer because I didnt have a permanent German adress. Thats propably why Daimler put me in Steuerklasse 6. What I wanted to ask is as follows: How can I do my Steuererklarung if I dont have a Steuernummer and if I cant issue for a Steuernummer. Is it posible to do it without a Steuernummer? I want to do my Steuererklarung because I would like to refund my taxes, cause I gained less than 5000 Euros and they told me that I can have a full refund after my Steuererklarung.
Sorry for the long post and thanks a lot!
Hey Christos. That’s an excellent question. You may have to ask an expert but since you are not a German resident, you should do your tax return in Greece. You need to declare your sources of income, included those from Germany, with your greek tax statement. Hope this helps and good luck.
Hello! Thank you for the great information on this subject. I am planning to arrive in Berlin in February and have been asked for a German tax number from my employer. I was wondering if this is still available to obtain if I do not yet have a registered address? I am spending the first week in a hostel and staying on friends sofas for the rest of my time until I can search for properties to rent in person. Thank you very much,
Jessica
Hey Jessica. Unfortunately, since this is your first time as a resident in Germany, that’s not the case. You need to first register.
Hello and thanks for all the info! I have a small question!
In 2013 I went through the Anmeldung process and obtained the Identifikationsnummer that also serves as Steuer-ID. In 2016 I left Berlin and went through the Abmeldung process.
Now I am going back to Berlin. I believe I don’t need to obtain a new Steuer-ID, since the one I obtained in 2013 is “lebenslang gueltig”, and all I need to do is go for the Anmeldung again, and just tell them that I have already obtained a Steuer-ID in the past (which they will automatically detect I guess once they type in my name). Is my understanding right?
Thanks!
Leo
Hey Leoniads. Make sure to differentiate the Identifikationsnummer and the Steuernummer. I don’t know if the Bürgeramt can have access to the Finanzamt’s database and tell that right away. After the Anmeldung, you can always go the Finanzamt to double-check that.
Hi Bastien, thanks for all the useful info!
I have found a job in Berlin and am supposed to start this coming Monday (in two days). The problem is I am not yet registered (anmeldung) and also do not have a tax number. I have an address where I can register and took the soonest available appointment to do the anmeldung (in two weeks). I am now wondering whether this is going to be a big problem for my employer and can I even begin to work without the anmeldung and steuernummer? I am a british citizen so (still) EU by the way.
Hey Jay. Not this is not preventing you from getting paid or signing the contract. However, without a Steuernummer, your employer won’t be able to apply the right income tax rate and you will be taxed to the maximum rate. You lose a bit of money but you can recover that next year with a Steuererklärung (more info here).
Dear Bastien,
Thanks for the useful info.
I am working in Schwabisch Gmund from Nov 2nd 2018 to Jan 31st 2019.
I received tax ID today.
When I communicate to my pay roll team, they informed me that tax ID can only be added in January pay roll. So my tax ID is not added in pay roll for the months November and December 2018.
Is to possible to claim tax return from November 2018? Or I can claim only for January 2019?
Many thanks in Advance.!
Hey Ayyarsami. Yes, it’s possible, provided they give you a Steuerbescheinigung for your work in 2018.
Hello, firstly thank you for all information that you explained. I came Germany via Blue Card for working from Turkey. At same time my wife and son got Blue Card visa because of me.
My question about Tax Class. My family live in Turkey, our plan is to come here 6 months later. I have contract for my apartment and shows that just I live in Germany and I went to Burgerburo to make reqistration of residence. During this process I gave him my family passport copies, blue card visa copies, national wedding and birth certificate and he took them a got them all document copies.
And all this document will be forwarded to Finanzamt in order to isse Tax ID. I wonder which Tax class they will issue for me? In my opinion it should be Tax class 3 but I am not sure they have to live together with me and registered in Germany in order to get class 3 or all these documents are enough to get class 3?
Thank you and merry christmas.
Hey Halil. Have you looked at this post about changing tax classes? In case you are put in the right tax class in your opinion, you can always make a request to change when they joined you here.
Hi !
I’ve got my anmeldung and when to the Finanzamt to get my tax ID. That’s when I discovered I was registered to the wrong address. Now I have my tax ID but to the wrong address. Do you think I can still give my tax number to my employer or will it change when I will go to change my anmeldung ?
Thanks in advance
Hey Morgane. Changing adress can sometimes lead to a change in tax id, but usually when moving in a different city. You can still give your current tax ID and give your new one if it changes.
Hello!
I just found a job in Berlin but I need to give invoices, I still haven’t visit the Finanzamt and don’t have my Tax ID number.
I already register in the Anmeldung, but no one from Finanzamt send me a letter never. And I did this one year ago.
I want to know if I have to register as a freelancer or just with the ID number can I give invoices?
Thank you for your time.
Have a good day.
Hey Daniela. Yes, you need to be registered as a freelancer before you can send invoices. More info about all of that on this post.
Hi!
I’m a EU citizen and I’ll be in Berlin for a three months internship. I’ve read online I don’t need Anmeldung if I stay in Germany just for three months, but my employer told me it’s best to do Anmeldung to get my TAX ID and avoid maximum taxation. Is that correct?
I’m still looking for a room in WG and I’ll probably find one after my work’s starting date. Does this mean that my first paycheck will be subject to maximum taxation? Will I be able to avoid maximum taxation in the following two months if I’m able to do Anmeldung?
Thanks!
Hey Julie. Your employer is correct. As soon as you get an Tax ID, you will be able to move tax classes and not be taxed at the maximum rate. There might be a bit of delay for the admin process to go through so it all depends on the timing i suppose.
Hello!
I am Spanish and I have just registered as a citizen in Berlin. I am planning on going to my nearest finanzamt tomorrow. I have a few questions.
-Do i need an appointment?
– What documents do i need to take with me?
– What will they ask me?
– And last but not least, what will they provide me with there? (The Identifikationsnummer and/or the steuenummer?)
Also, I have read from previous comments some people did it online, some others waited 2 weeks… how does it work exactly? I need it asap to be able to be hired by the company that is offering me the job.
Thank you so much for writing this blog and answering to our questions. Its super helpful!
Hey Monica. You don’t need an appointment. Meldebescheinigung and an ID document are enough. As mentioned in the post, you can go to your local Finanzamt for your Steuernummer. Timing is up to you. You can wait or not wait.
Hi Bastien,
I lived in Berlin for 18 months before moving back to Ireland a year ago. I have recently been offered a job in Cologne and will be moving there in the next 2 weeks. Can I use all the same tax information or will I have to get a new Steuernummer when I get my Anmeldung? Also, I will be subletting for the first 2 months, if I don’t register with the Burgeramt until I find a long-term place, will this mean I won’t be able to obtain a Steuernummer? Would you recommend I register with my temporary address? Would a letter from my roommate be sufficient?
Hey Tony, your Steuernummer will change, the Steuer-ID stays the same.
Hi, I was wondering how long it takes for your tax ID to come through once you have had the appointment and registered. Is this something they issue right away with your Anmeldung or it comes in the post at a later date? I have my appointment booked for my Anmeldung but need my tax ID as soon as possible to get on the payroll with my new employer.
Thanks!
Tash
Hey Tasha, It comes through the post a few days after your Anmeldung, up to 10 days sometimes.
Hi Bastien
After my Anmeldung, I did receive in the post later an 11-digit Persönliche Identifikationsnummer. That’s all I have.
I’ll be starting my first job soon. Is it correct I still need to get a German tax ID (Steuernummer), by going to the Finanzamt?
Thanks for clarifying all this trickiness.
Hi Jussi. You should have received by now if you mentioned you needed one for work. If nnot, you can ask at the Finanzamt, yes.
Hi thanks for your info. i need to open kleinerunternummer and i went to finanzamt, filled some papers, and after 2 weeks got one paper sheet by mail with personliche identifikationsnummer. is that all i need and i can create my own invoices now using this number? or i need anything else? thanks
Hey Gilad. As mentioned in the post, there is a difference between your Identifikationsnummer and your Steuernummer. You need to have your Steuernummer on your invoices.
Dear Bastien,
First of all, thank you so much for useful information. I have a query – what is the difference between tax ID and social security number ? most of people say that its same but my employer is asking both of them. Where can I get the Social Security Number from ?
Thanks in advance!
– Chanchal
Hey there. Well one is called Tax ID and the other Sozialversicherungsausweis. You should have received this document at home, when you started working.
I’m currently employed in Finland and will be moving to Germany to stay with my Family. However I continue to work for my Finnish employer remotely from Germany. I know that after Anmeldung, I will be issued a Tax ID and I’m obliged to pay taxes in Germany for the income I earn.
My question is how does taxation work in this case?
Hi Kashi. You will need to look into avoiding double taxation by the process defined Finland and Germany for their citizens (Doppelbesteuerungsabkommen). More info here. But i’m sure there is plenty of enough in your own language with the right Google search. Good luck !
Hi,
I am a person with dual nationality (Romanian/British) and I am looking to work in Germany for 2 months since I will be staying for my summer holiday. Since I am staying for less than 3 months and need German tax ID for the job i applied for, is there a fast way of obtaining this or do I still need to register to a German address and go through the long process for around 2 weeks and if so what would be the best approach?
Would appreciate any insight on this matter.
Best regards,
Johann
Hi Johann. If you want to work here, there is no way around this i’m afraid, unless are you are able to bill your employer some other way from home.
Dear Sir. I was wondering if you could help me by giving some light. I was born and raised in Brazil, but hold the German passport because of family roots. I do not speak German and never lived in Germany. I was transferred from Brazil to to the Netherlands last year. Since I am an EU citizen, the move was quite smooth in terms of paperwork. We are seen and treated as EU nationals. My kids in the Netherlands receive child support and I know I can also ask for a supplemental support from Germany since they are also Germans. I would need the TAX ID to fill out the forms. The main issue is I do not have a TAX ID. I never lived in Germany and never applied for it. I have tax ids in Brazil and Netherlands. Any idea or advice you can give me on getting a TAX ID if I do not live in Germany, but I am a German Citizen? Many thanks and looking forward to any valuable information.
Hi Thiago. I might be wrong but common logic would lead me to tell you that you can’t have one without being/having been a German resident before. Maybe you should contact a specialist about this?
Hi, I have moved to Berlin last year. My wife and a daughter just joined me and we moved to another place. We have done anmeldung recently. I have already received Steuerliche Identifikationsnummer in my previous address. I am going to start from June internship in Berlin and I am not sure if I will be taxed accordingly. Should I go to Finanzamt and ask for change of my tax category? Thank you in advance for your help!
Hi Bekzod. When your marriage has been made official in Germany and you want to change your tax class, you can ask for a change at the Finanzamt yes. By default, you two will be on 4/4 but it might be worth to go for 3/5 if you will earn a lot more than your wife.
I work as a freelance journalist and my first taxable year living and earning in Berlin (previously I was paying tax in the UK) was 2017. I received a tax number shortly after I did my Anmeldung late in 2016 but have had no other correspondence from the Finanzamt. I received a bit of conflicting advice about when I needed to file my first tax return and now I’m panicking, as the deadline’s here. Any advice on what my first steps should be? Much appreciated!
Hi Daniel. I think you answered your own question: as a freelancer with taxable income in Germany in 2017, you need to submit now. 🙂
Thank you! Am on the case.
Dear Bastian,
I am arriving in Germany next two weeks. I am foreign and my employer is asking for the Tax ID in advance. Is it possible to request my Tax ID before I arrive in Germany? The only way I can receive it is by mail, isnt it?
Thanks a lot.
Hi Babi. This is not possible as you need to have gone through the Anmeldung first.
Kind of you to help expats, thank you. I’ve received the 11 digit tax number last year, but this year I’ve deregistered my address and quit my job in Berlin. But now I might come back. Is it correct I can forward my existent 11 digit number to my potential new employer and that I will be taxed in the right class? Thank you,
Hi Alex. Hard to say, depends on your marital/partner status. If nothing has changed on that front, there is no reason to see your tax class change.
Hi Bastian, thank you again for your support. I’ve given my employer the 11 digit Steuer ID, but they’re telling me that because right now I am not registered at Burgeramt, I might be taxed in Class 6. As long as I have my for a lifetime Steuer ID, why do I have to register again at Burgeramt to be taxed in the correct class? Is my employer doing something wrong? Kind regards,
Hi Alexandru. I can’t see any other way, i’m afraid.
Hi Bastien- please help! i’m due to start work in Berlin in a few weeks (i’m from the UK) but the work will only last a couple of months- it’s freelance teaching. I expect to make no more than £3000 and then I will be leaving Berlin. Of course I need to get a Tax number to get paid but my question is- is it necessary to still do a tax return when my salary for the year will be so small and I am leaving the country after?
Thank you!!!
Hi Mimi. Well in that case why don’t you bill with your british tax ID/Freelancing? Since you are not resident, that would be enough, would it not?
Dear Bastien,
Here`s a stupid question: is there a possibility to get another copy of the Meldebescheinigung?!
In my case, I did the stupid thing of giving it to my employer and now the dude in charge of the documents can`t find it. Since then I moved to a different apartment and I have a different paper for that, but I don`t remember what was on the first Meldebescheinigung and if I`m missing something by not having it.
Hi Georgiana. Yes. You can to the Bürgeramt to request a copy.
Hi, I arrived in Berlin seven weeks ago and have my anmeldeung but never received my steuernummer. I went to the finzamt to get it but they said they cant give it out and directed me to a website where i filled in my details and it will be posted again. My only worry is that, I wont be registered at that address after this week, i’m moving to a sublet where i won’t be registered either. However, I have requested my post be forwarded on from the original address i was registered at. Is this likely to come through and is their any other way to retrieve the steurnummer?
Hi Jon. You need that little paper and they won’t send it via email. In my opinion, as long as you receive it by normal mail, you should be fine.
hello,
You can subscribe to the redirecting mails in the post office so all the mails that will send to your old address can be redirected to the new one.
Hi there,
I am looking to apply for my tax number in germany, I am attending my anmeldung later today and have permission from a friend to say I am staying at their residence temporarily.
My question is, after I have received my tax number is it illegal to then not have a fixed permanent address? As I will be travelling around the country a lot for the company and also working in other countries.
Thanks in advance!
Hi Ben. You just need to have an address where you are registered and where you can receive letter the German administration can send you.
Hi! I’ll go to the Rentenversicherung to obtein my Steuernummer, What documents do I need? ID, anmeldung maybe? Thank you in advance!
Hi Giulia. Why would you go there?
hello! Thanks for the helpful info. I have a freelancer number issued (yay) but it’s linked to my current address in neukolln (thats the address I registered with). I will be moving to Kreuzberg shortly. Do I need to reapply for a new number and/or notify the finanzamt of the change of address (and if so what is the process)? Or do something else I have not thought of? I would hope not as it’s the same city/country!! Thank you
Hi there. You don’t need a new number and in theory, you don’t need to let your Finanzamt know but it’s recommended.
Hi everyone.
I’ve married outside Germany and my wife got a familienzusammenführung visa and successfully registered and got her temporary residence permit. Do I have to do something to change may Tax class from single to married?
Hi Ali. You can switch so you are classified in the high(er) earner category, and your wife the low(er) earner, as long as that’s the case (Steuerklasse 3/5). You can do that with that form.
So that a colleague and I here in Hamburg could be sure to be in this month’s payroll processing, we were encouraged to get our Tax ID number (Steueridentifikationsnummer; also known as “Steuer-ID / IdNr / Steuer-IdNr”) to our employer ASAP instead of waiting for the official mailed document. After having done a ton of research on this site and others, we were told that having done our Anmeldung we could simply go any Hamburg Kundenzentrum. This was indeed the case: we both went and simply provided our passports and they were able to provide an official stamped print out of the number on the spot. No need to go to the Finanzamt or wait a full week (I had done my Anmeldung only 4 working days before going to the Kundenzentrum). Hope that is helpful for others!
Hi, Thanks for info! Based on that I went to the Finanzamt in Berlin and was able to get Tax ID number on the second working day after Anmeldung.
Hi there, bit of a problem. Recently moved to Germany last week and applied for my Tax iD. I have not received it yet and the company was desperate for me to start and I didn’t know how much of an issue it would be without one. They are now telling me that I will be taxed the highest amount as i have not received it in time, which I don’t mind for 1 month but I’m reading that I might not be able to claim this back. Is that correct?
Hi Brandon. Yes, you can claim it back.
I will be in similar situation. Apparently it can be claimed end of the year. How long did that take to receive the number? When applying will friends apartment adress suffice for the application form?
Hi there,
I registered today. I am wondering, when I leave my current flat and unregister, will I go back to paying 45% tax if I do not immediately register elsewhere or is my tax number permanent. I am concerned because my lease ends in 2 months time and there is no guarantee that my next landlord will register me. The 2 temporary residences I had before this one was not possible to register as the landlord did not want me to. I know this may be illegal but unfortunately it is very common and there is nothing people can do about it if they are desparate for a place to stay. So it would be much appreciated if you could let me know if the tax code I will get in a few weeks will expire when I unregister from this apartment in a couple of months time.
Hi Ryan. I hardly think you can get in trouble with the Finanzamt because you can’t find a place to stay. I don’t think you will get back to the 45% tax rate right away but the best might be to ask them yourself.
So I’m in a bit of a pickle here. I’ve landed a job in Germany and will be working from Berlin. Also found a shared apartment (WG). However, to get the documents so I can do an anmeldung will take time, it will come AFTER my first paycheck will be issued which is a problem from what I’ve understood.
However, I’ve heard that they can still pay me, but they have to deduct the maximum amount of tax (45%) until I’m registered? Though not ideal, I’d be ok with that if it’s only the first month but I’m really confused about what to do. Really a bureaucratic nightmare.
I am an EU citizen and didn’t expect this to be such a weird process.
Hi Dennis; there is no reason to wait for a paycheck to be able to do the anmeldung. All you need to bring is here.
Hi,
I have a Steuenummer and am currently looking for jobs in Berlin. Is this all I need?
I have been told that I need the ‘pink paper’ in order to begin working here. Is that true that I need this in order to be considered for employment?
If so, where do I need to go to get this?
Thanks for your help and great website.
Nic
Hi Nicole, what is that pink paper you talk about?
Hi Bastien,
Given that I have a Steuernummer, is this enough to allow me to work in Berlin?
Hi Nicole, if you don’t need a VISA or anything then yes.
Hi there! I already signed a contract as research assistant, now I got a mail from unicastel to fill out some forms when there is required steuer nummer. I dont have this number so i requested it on finanzamt website. My question is : does university transfer my salary in my account before i send this forms to this uni cassel (with steuer nummer ). Thanks a lot
Hi Muhes. I don’t think so, but ask the University to check.
Hi there!
I previously lived in Germany as part of a yearlong fellowship in two different states (Köln and Hamburg) and then in Berlin as an au pair. The fellowship and au pair program where both tax-free. I recently started a paid internship in Berlin and need a steuer ID. Is it possible that I already have a steuer ID even though I haven’t been taxed in Germany before?
Hi Sarah. If you have never received any mails from the Finanzamt, i doubt that you have one.
Hey!
so first of all: I really love the way your blog is structured – I introduce your blog to the Expats joining our company and its super helpful- So thanks a lot for the effort!! It’s amazing
There ist just one thing that is quite confusing: “What is the Steuernummer : your German tax ID” If you could just change it that the German tax ID ist not the “Steuernummer” but Steueridentifikationsnummer – that’d be super great and would avoid a lot of back and forth explaining that these are two different numbers.
Thanks a lot in advance.
Andi
Hi
I preciously worked in Kindergarten as part of praktium during university . I’m sure I had steuernummer on my pay slips .unfortunately can’t find payslips as it was two years ago . I’m moving back to Germany in few months is there any way I can find my old stuernummer ?
Thanks very much
Niamh
Hi Niamh, just contact your Finanzamt where you registered.
I went to the Finanzamt and they told me that the letter paper which contains an 11 digit number called “Personliche Identifikationsnummer” is the Tax Number that i should give to the company, this was also confirmed by the company later.
I got that letter 1 week after receiving the registration mail (which took 2 weeks to arrive)
HTH
Hello,
I have received Anmeldung and Personliche Identifikationsnummer. Please can you explain if Personliche Identifikationsnummer is different to Steuernummer? Do I need both of these numbers or are they the same thing?
Thanks very much!
Hi Jarred. Those are not the same things and you will receive both yes. Think of your Personliche Identifikationsnummer as your unique ID that will identify you. It never changes. Your Steuernummer can change during your life depending on your type of employment or if you move cities for example. I’ve read somewhere that the first will soon replace the second.
Hey just went to the Finanzamt in Neukölln and Informed me that i couldn’t get my Steuernummer There and that I had to wait for it in the post or go to the federal tax office. Just thought I’d let ya know. Guess I’ll go line up at the Bürger Amt
Hello,
I completed my Amneldung three weeks ago but still haven’t received my tax code in the post. Should I continue waiting or would it be best to visit the Finanzamt?
Regards,
Ryan
Hi Ryan. Yes, you should probably go now.
Hi guys
I’m a bit confused. I’ve received a Tax ID in the post and have registered with the Buergeramt. Do I still need to get a Lohnsteuerkarte/ nummer from the Finanzamt? I’m not a freelancer, and will be starting a full time role with a local company.
Thanks
Hi Arun. As mentioned in the post, this is actually the normal process. You only need to go to the Finanzamt when you don’t receive it by post in the firstplace. All good.
Thanks for your reply Basti. I went to the Finanzamt anyway, and they confirmed that the employer should get the ElTSAM information from the letter containing the tax reference number 🙂
Hi there,
I just did my Anmeldung and they told me that the ID number is just for Germans.
Also, I will like to do the Tax Card tomorrow in a Finanzamt. Does anyone knows if I need an appointment or I just show up?
I need fresh information, because things have changed since this post was written.
Thank you!
Hello Ana. There must have been some kind of misunderstanding since everyone working in Germany, German or not, receives a unique Steuernummer. As mentioned in the post, it is preferable to wait 1 or 2 weeks after your Anmeldung before showing up at the Finanzamt. You can go there without an appointment.
Hi there! How long did it take for you to receive your Tax ID?
Hi, I received my freelance tax number in the mail but I lost the document. I how do I quickly get this info again or who can I contact?
Hi RP. Thanks for leaving a message. You need to go to your Finanzamt, pick a number, wait in line and ask for a new copy. Alternatively, you can also find it on your bills, as you must put it there too.
Ah ok… well it’s not in my bills as I also work full time and have some freelance work coming up on the side.
HR at my full time job told me I just need my regular steuernummer for freelance work if I already registered at the finanzamt for freelance. That makes no sense to me. I thought the point of the “fragebogen fuer steuerlichen erfassung’ was to get the seperate freelance tax number which is too be used on all freelance work. She claims the one I have works for that same purpose now too since it has to do with my tax id or something. I speak broken german and am very confused right now.
It can happen that you have the same ID number for both your normal job and freelance job yes. The main thing is that it is all declared with your Finanzamt. They decide if you get a separate number for your freelance jobs or not.
Hi
I am a New Zealand citizen currently living in Berlin on a one year working Holliday visa and I am looking to start my own consultancy company and become a self employed free lancer. Ive been informed I need to get a Gewerbeerlaubnis (commercial license) but in order to get this apparently I also need to get a Aufenthaltserlaubnis (resident permit)
Do you know weather or not I am allegeable for this?
Hi Luke. Thanks for leaving a message. You can find answers to your questions on this page. 🙂
Hi,
Thanks for this very useful information. I registered to Burgeramt in Karow/Buch on Sept.15th and today I went to finanzamt in Mehringdam on Sept.22th at 8:00 am. The officer told me that is too early for the Tax ID info to arrive to them. But luckily my info was already there at their system. So I COULD get my steuer-id after 1 week directly from the finanzamt.
Thanks for the info. I will append the post.
Also I want to say that the officer spoke English – this was the most scary part for me as I do not speak a single word in German – and everything was very fast. I was early there, but there was only one other guy, and I waited only for a couple of minutes and getting my info took only a few minutes. Everything was so smooth. I wanted to share this experience because there is sooo much bad experience being shared in the forums and I was very very worried about these bureaucracy things after reading all such unpleasant experiences.
Be careful guys, there a trick:
I did my anmeldung this morning and went straight to the finanzamt to get my tax id and it was impossible as you have to wait one week from the moment you receive the anmeldung. I’m not sure why… But I just wasted two hours!
Maybe this should be added in the article somewhere.
Cheers
Hey Manuel. Thanks a lot for the input. I didn’t know this limitation. I didn’t mention it because people usually wait a week or two to see if they receive a TAX ID by post, which they do most of the time. I will add it. Thanks again. 🙂
Hi there,
Just to let you know, I called http://www.berlin.de/sen/finanzen/steuern/finanzaemter/friedrichshain-kreuzberg/ and they say that now they changed the procedure, we need to complete this form and they send it to your house
https://www.bzst.de/DE/Steuern_National/Steuerliche_Identifikationsnummer/ID_Eingabeformular/ID_Node.html
Thanks for the update Marina. Are you sure this is correct? Because this link makes me land on a form where i can ask to be sent my IdNr when i already have one and i forgot or lost it.
It is a bit confusing though, because it says „Repeated Inquiry of your tax ID“ but the lady on the phone said, that we should use it also if we want to get a tax ID in the first place. So maybe in six weeks I can tell you if I got the card or not.
Ok, I received a letter from them requesting a copy of my Anmeldung proof and also copy of passport. I send those two things and now waiting. Will keep you updated
Hi there! I did receive my Tax Number now! It took less than a month, so keep that in mind.
I work for a company here, not a freelancer, so I’m not sure if this also applies for freelancers.
Thanks A lot for yours kind information , today i have been told by my Admin that i need my Steuer Id Number because i have been working since august and i didnt have my St Nummer,after being told I was affraid what to do and where to find it, as i am not good in Deutsch Language but yours information helped me A lot .
firstly i will go to Bürgramt after that if it wont work then i will go to financeamt hope it will work. Again God Bless you and many thanks 🙂
Hi there,
i would like to point out that the physical tax card is not being issued anymore, it’s virtual and online.
Thanks for the precision. I indeed forgot to put that in. 🙂
Hi Jonas,
Where can I find this? I’ve looked everywhere.
Best,
Nicö