How to get Steueridentifikationsnummer - Tax ID in Germany

The Federal Central Tax Office; Bundeszentralamt für Steuern or simply BZSt issues a unique tax identification number to everybody who’s registered in Germany.

In order to handle the taxes of each registered person in Germany, the BZSt introduced a centralised system in 2007 replacing the old tax identification method.

Every registered person regardless of a citizen or expat including babies receives a Steueridentifikationsnummer or tax ID.

You need to submit your tax ID to your employer in order to pay your salary and calculate the tax.

As per the German tax laws and tax classes, you have to pay the highest tax if you don't have a tax ID.

How to get a Steueridentifikationsnummer - Tax ID in Germany

Getting a tax ID is not a big task. In fact, your tax ID will automatically be processed and issued as soon as you register in Germany.

Two to three weeks after you register in Germany, you’ll receive your tax ID via post.

The Federal Central Tax Office has created a great amount of articles and guidelines on their website to help you resolve all queries related to tax ID. Please check the articles for more information.