How to get a Bescheinigung in Steuersachen

When you apply for a freelance visa or for permanent residence, you might need a certificate of tax matters (Bescheinigung in Steuersachen or steuerliche Unbedenklichkeitsbescheinigung). This document confirms that you paid your taxes on time, and that you don’t owe the Finanzamt money.

How to get this document

Request it from the Finanzamt, online or in person. It costs 17.90€.¹ It arrives by post in 1 to 3 weeks.

Online

1. Fill the application form
   Download the form, fill it, print it and sign it.
2. Contact your Finanzamt
   Find your Finanzamt, then find its contact information. Email them and ask for a Bescheinigung in Steuersachen. Use my email template.
3. Pay the application fee
   Find your Finanzamt’s bank information, and transfer them 17.90€. In the payment message, include your tax ID, your name and “Bescheinigung in Steuersachen”.³
4. Wait
   You will get the document by post in 1 to 3 weeks.² If you don’t get it after 3 weeks, contact the Finanzamt. It’s faster if you phone them. Mine got lost in the mail, so they sent it again.

In person

You can also get the document if you go to the Finanzamt in person. It might not be faster, because they might still mail it to you.⁴

1. Find your local Finanzamt
   Find your Finanzamt, then find its address and opening hours.
2. Go to the Finanzamt
   Go to the Finanzamt without an appointment, and ask for a Bescheinigung in Steuersachen. Pay the 17.90€ fee.
3. Wait
   You will get the document by post in 1 to 3 weeks.²

Application form

Fill this application form, print it and sign it. You must know your tax ID or Steuernummer.

Email template

If you apply online, use this email template, and attach the application form.

Sources and footnotes

1. Berlin.de (June 2024) ⤴

2. Reddit (March 2024), Finanzamt call (June 2024), Berlin.de (June 2024), Reddit (March 2024), Red Tape Translation (2024) ⤴

3. Berlin.de (June 2024) ⤴

4. Reddit (March 2024) ⤴