German residents have different tax identification numbers. This guide explains what they are, and where to find them.
The tax ID (Steuer-ID)
This is your unique, permanent tax identification number. Every German resident has a tax ID. The Finanzamt uses your tax ID to identify you. It has the format “12 345 678 901”. Your tax ID is permanent; it never changes.
The tax ID is also called…
- Steuerliche Identifikationsnummer
- Persönliche Identificationsnummer
- Identifikationsnummer
- Steuer-IdNr.
- SteuerID
- IdNr
Why you need a tax ID
You need a tax ID to…
- Get paid correctly
If you don’t have a tax ID, you can still work and get paid, but you pay more salary tax.1 You can get that money back later by filing a tax return.2 Some employers think that you can’t work without a tax ID, but they are wrong. - Open a bank account
Some banks ask for a tax ID when you open an account. - Apply for Kindergeld and Elterngeld
- Get a Kitagutschein
Your children need a tax ID to get a Kitagutschein and send them to daycare. - Start a business
You need a tax ID to register your business at the Finanzamt.
How to get your tax ID
You get a tax ID when you register your address for the first time.9 4 to 6 weeks later, you get a letter from the Bundeszentralamt für Steuern with your tax ID.
If you can’t register your address, fill this form. You will get your tax ID by post 4 to 6 weeks later. This does not always work.
If you registered your address before, you already have a tax ID. You just need to find it.
If you did not get your tax ID after 6 weeks, request it again. You can also go to your local Finanzamt with your passport, and ask for your tax ID.3 You don’t need an appointment. A lot of people never get their tax ID letter.
Where to find your tax ID
If you already have a tax ID, you can find it on…
- The letter from the Bundeszentralamt für Steuern. You get it 4 to 6 weeks after your first Anmeldung
- Your pay slip (Gehaltsabrechnung)
- Your salary tax statement (Lohnsteuerbescheinigung) as “Identifikationsnummer”
- Your income tax report (Steuerbescheid) as “IdNr”
- In ELSTER under Meine Profile
If you can’t find your tax ID…
- Go to your local Finanzamt with your passport, and ask for your tax ID.3 You don’t need an appointment. If they won’t help you, go to another Finanzamt.
- Fill this form, and get a letter from the Finanzamt in around 4 weeks. They will send it to the address you registered, not anywhere else. Make sure that your name is on your mailbox.
Your employer and your tax advisor also know your tax ID. Ask them.
The tax number (Steuernummer)
The Steuernummer is for freelancers and businesses. It’s a 10 or 11 digit number, and has the format “12/345/67890”. It’s sometimes written as “3012034567890” (the first two digits are the number of your Bundesland5). It’s also called Steuer-Identnummer or St-Nr.
How to get a Steuernummer
You get a Steuernummer when you register your business with the Finanzamt. You get it by post, 2 to 6 weeks later.8 If it takes longer, ask your local Finanzamt on the phone or in person.
The Steuernummer is unique, but not permanent. If you move your business to another Finanzamt’s area, you will get a new Steuernummer.6
When you get your Steuernummer, you must put it in your Impressum, and on your invoices to German customers.
Where to find your Steuernummer
If you have a Steuernummer, you can find it…
- On your income tax report (Steuerbescheid)
- On most letters from the Finanzamt
- In ELSTER under Meine Profile
Where to find a business’ tax number
You can usually find a business’ Steuernummer on their website (in their Impressum), and on their invoices.7
The VAT number (Umsatzsteuer-Id)
The Umsatzsteuer-ID is the German VAT number. It’s a 9 digit number with the format “DE123456789”. This number identifies your business for B2B transactions in the European Union. It proves that you are a business and not a private consumer. Your VAT number must appear on your B2B invoices for EU customers.
The VAT number is also called…
- Umsatzsteuer-Identifikationsnummer
- USt-Identifikationsnummer
- USt-IdNr.
You can have a VAT number even if you don’t charge VAT. You can also charge VAT without a VAT number.4
How to get a German VAT number
You get a VAT number when you register your business with the Finanzamt. If you already registered your business, request a VAT number here.
A small business (Kleinunternehmer) that does not charge VAT might not have a VAT number.
When you get your VAT number, you must put it in your Impressum, and on your invoices for EU customers.
Where to find a business’ VAT number
You can usually find a business’ VAT number on their website (in their Impressum), and on their invoices.7
You can check if a VAT number is valid, but it will not give you information about the business.
Need help?
Where to ask business questions
Sources and footnotes
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experto.de, forum.elster.de, steuern.de, Wikipedia, t-online.de ⤴
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Sebastian Hoffmann (August 2024) ⤴