What is Tax ID and Tax number in Germany? [2024] - Navigate Germany

This article explains two unique numbers and their differences along with the freelance tax and VAT numbers in Germany.

Tax ID (Steuer-ID)

The tax ID (steuerliche Identifikationsnummer – IdNr) is an essential requirement introduced in 2007 for both living and working class which is issued by the Federal Central Tax Office to registered expats in Germany to administer the taxes.

Steueridentifikationsnummer is assigned to every resident of Germany, whether you are German or not. After city registration, you will get a Tax Number from the German tax office (Finanzamt) which is used by the tax authorities to identify you. The format is “12 345 678 901” and it is permanent. Other names are;

• Steuerliche Identifikationsnummer
• Persönliche Identificationsnummer
• Identifikationsnummer
• Steuer-IdNr.
• IdNr
• Steuer-ID.

Employers need it to calculate your income tax and if you don’t have it, your income tax will be high. The excess amount charged will be returned when you file a return.

Where To Find Tax ID?

Following are the documents to find your tax ID:

• Registration document received from the Federal office of Tax (Bundeszentralamt für Steuern)
• Income tax report (Einkommensteuerbescheid)
• Payslip (Gehaltsabrechnung)
• Entgeltabrechnung

Get Your Tax ID

Tax ID is issued automatically when you register for the first time. Register your address at Bürgeramt (local citizen’s office) within 14 days of arrival. Take along your identity card, passport, proof of residence certificate (Wohnungsgeberbestätigung), when registering for the tax ID. Once you are registered, you will receive a registration certificate (Anmeldebescheinigung). After registering at the Rathaus , the tax ID will be delivered to you via postal service within two to four weeks. 

What if Tax ID is Lost?

If the document is lost, you can get a new tax ID for free from Finanzamt by filling an online form. It will take around six weeks but if you need it earlier, discuss with your Finanzamt. Enter your postal code in the search bar to know your assigned Finanzamt.

Tax Number (Steuernummer)

Tax number (Steuernummer) is assigned by a local tax office (Finanzamt) but this is not a permanent number and changes when you change the city.  The tax number helps to identify your records, when filing for the tax declaration or return every year. If you are an employee, use online tax return platforms, but if you are self-employed, use GetSorted.

If you never filed a tax declaration, you might not have a tax number. Depending upon your German state, the format of tax number is 122/1523/5965 (10 to 11 digits) or 5133081508159 (13 digits) as per unified federal format. Married couples file a joint tax declaration and get a tax number together.

Where To Find Tax Number?

Find your German tax number on your tax assessment (Steuerbescheid) with the help of tax authorities.

Get Your Tax Number

Once your business is registered with Finanzamt, you get a Steuernummer within 4 to 6 weeks. If you do not get it, approach Finanzamt via phone or in person.

Freelance Tax Number

A tax number (Steuernummer) is a unique number used by freelancers for tax returns and invoicing. It is also called freelance tax number and the format is 00/000/00000. 

Being self-employed, you must have a tax number too. Submit a 7 page long questionnaire for tax collection (Fragebogen zur steuerlichen Erfassung) to get your tax number when you register your self-owned business as a freelancer. You will mention in this form if you need a VAT or if your business is a small company (klein unternehmer). This number is the same as the non-business tax number received with the tax assessment. You need to mention your freelance tax number on all invoices.

VAT Number In Germany

The Value added Tax (VAT) number (Umsatzsteuer-Identifikationsnummer or USt-ID) is a 9-digit number starting with the country code (DE for Germany) DEXXXXXXXXX that is written on the receipts you get from supermarket. It is essential for every business operating outside Germany and within the European Union. If your registered side business (Kleingewerbe) is only operating in Germany, you do not need a VAT number. You need to mention it in each invoice and the Impressum (imprint) of your website. To get a VAT number, fill a questionnaire for tax registration (Fragebogen zur steuerlichen Erfassung) and tick the relevant boxes. To seek professional help, consult a certified tax consultant.

Final Words

A tax ID (Steuer-ID) is a unique ID which never changes till your stay in Germany. Your tax number changes when there is a change in city or marital status. You also get a number when you register your business like Steuernummer for self-employed and VAT number.