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
- Fill the application form
Download the form, fill it, print it and sign it. - Contact your Finanzamt
Find your Finanzamt, then find its contact information. Email them and ask for a Bescheinigung in Steuersachen. Use my email template. - 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 - 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
- Find your local Finanzamt
Find your Finanzamt, then find its address and opening hours. - Go to the Finanzamt
Go to the Finanzamt without an appointment, and ask for a Bescheinigung in Steuersachen. Pay the 17.90€ fee. - 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.
In German
Antrag auf Erteilung einer Bescheinigung in Steuersachen
In English
Request for a Bescheinigung in SteuersachenEmail template
If you apply online, use this email template, and attach the application form.
Request for a Bescheinigung in Steuersachen
Antrag auf Erteilung einer Bescheinigung in Steuersachen
Dear Sir or Madam,
Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren,
I am applying for the issuance of a Bescheinigung in Steursachen. The application form is attached.
hiermit beantrage ich die Erteilung einer Bescheinigung in Steursachen. Das Antragsformular ist beigefügt.
My details are as follows:
Meine Angaben lauten wie folgt:
-
Name:
{{ fullName }} -
Address:
Anschrift:
{{ address.replaceAll('\n', ', ') }} -
Date of birth:
Geburtsdatum:
{{ dateOfBirth }} -
Tax ID:
Steuer-ID:
{{ taxID }}
I have already paid the fee of 17.90€ on {{ currentDate.toLocaleDateString("en-US") }}. Please issue the requested document to my home address as soon as possible.
Ich habe die Gebühr von 17.90€ bereits am {{ currentDate.toLocaleDateString("de-DE") }} bezahlt. Bitte stellen Sie die angeforderte Bescheinigung so schnell wie möglich an meine Privatadresse aus.
Best regards,
Mit freundlichen Grüßen,