How to create an ELSTER account

This is how you create an ELSTER account. This account gives you access to online tax services. It lets you file tax returns, register a business, and many other things. ELSTER is like an online Finanzamt.

Creating an account is easy, but you must do it in German. It takes around 1 week, because they send your account activation code by post.

Before you start

Find your tax ID

To create an ELSTER account, you need a tax ID. You get a tax ID when you register your address for the first time. You can also request one from the Finanzamt.

How to get your tax ID

Do you need an ELSTER account?

You can register your business with Sorted’s business registration tool. It’s free, it’s easier to use, it’s in English, and you don’t need an ELSTER account. You only need a tax ID.

Your tax advisor can register also your business and submit VAT returns for you. If you have a tax advisor, you don’t need an ELSTER account.

Create your ELSTER account

To create an account, visit elster.de, and follow these instructions.

Screenshot of step to create an ELSTER account

▲ Click Benutzerkonto erstellen

Screenshot of step to create an ELSTER account

▲ Click Weiter

Screenshot of step to create an ELSTER account

▲ Click Weiter

Screenshot of step to create an ELSTER account

▲ Choose how you want to log in. The first option is the easiest. Click Auswählen to continue.

Screenshot of step to create an ELSTER account

▲ Select why you are opening an account: for you (Für mich), or for an organisation (Für eine Organisation). You can select Für mich, even if you are registering a business.1

Click Weiter to continue.

Screenshot of step to create an ELSTER account

▲ Choose how you want to verify your identity.

  • With your tax ID (Mit steuerlicher Identifikationsnummer): This lets you access all ELSTER services.
  • With email (Mit E-Mail): This only lets you register a business.

Click Weiter to continue.

Screenshot of step to create an ELSTER account

▲ Enter your personal information:

  • Email address (E-Mail)
  • Birth date (Geburtsdatum) – for example “23.09.1970”
  • Tax ID (Identifikationsnummer) – more information
  • Username (Benutzername) – maximum 8 characters
  • Security question (Sicherheitsabfrage)
  • Answer to the security question (Antwort) – maximum 40 characters
Screenshot of step to create an ELSTER account

▲ Tick the box, and click Weiter to continue

Screenshot of step to create an ELSTER account

▲ Click Prüfen to continue

Screenshot of step to create an ELSTER account

▲ Verify that all the information is correct, and click Absenden to create your account.

Screenshot of ELSTER account confirmation page

▲ This is the confirmation page. You will receive an email with an activation link for your account.

Screenshot of ELSTER email with activation link

▲ You will receive an email with an activation link. Click the activation link.

Screenshot of confirmed ELSTER account creation

▲ This is what you see when you click the confirmation link. It says that you will receive an activation ID by email, and an activation code by post. You can close the window.

Activate your ELSTER account

In a few minutes, you will receive an email with an activation ID (Aktivierungs-ID). In around 1 week, you will receive a letter with an activation code (Aktivierungs-Code). You need both codes to activate your account.

Screenshot of step to activate an ELSTER account

▲ When you receive the letter with your Aktivierungs-Code, click the activation link in your email.

Screenshot of step to activate an ELSTER account

▲ Enter the activation ID (Aktivierungs-ID) from the email, and the activation code (Aktivierungs-Code) from the letter. Click Absenden to continue.

Screenshot of step to activate an ELSTER account

▲ Choose a strong password, and click Erstellen to continue.

Screenshot of step to activate an ELSTER account

▲ Click Zertifikatsdatei herunterladen to download your login certificate. You need this file to log in. Save it in a safe place, and do not share it with anyone.

Screenshot of step to activate an ELSTER account

▲ Log in for the first time. Select the certificate you have downloaded in the last step. Enter the password you chose.

Screenshot of step to activate an ELSTER account

▲ Complete the information about you:

  • Name of the organisation (Name der Organisation/ Firmenname) – if you already registered a business
Screenshot of step to activate an ELSTER account Screenshot of step to activate an ELSTER account

▲ You are not a tax advisor. Leave this field empty, and click Mein Profil speichern und weiter.

In the next step (no screenshot), you must choose what type of entity you are. You have the option to select it later.

Screenshot of step to activate an ELSTER account

You are done! Click Bestätigen und Weiter to access ELSTER. You can tick the box if you don’t want to see this privacy warning again.

What to do next

If want to start a business in Germany, the next step is to register your business at the Finanzamt. You need your ELSTER account to do this.

Need help?

Where to ask financial questions

Sources and footnotes
  1. tiahardyrobinson.medium.com