WHAT IS A STEUER-ID?
The full name of Steuer-ID is: Steuer Identifikationsnummer. It’s your personal 11-digit tax identification number in Germany. You receive it automatically when you first register your address (Anmeldung) in Germany, and it stays with you for life!
⚠️ Don’t lose it – it will safe you from bureaucracy 😂 – best thing is to scan it and save it in your cloud.
How does it look like?? It looks like this: 12 345 678 901
Very Important: Steuer-ID is not Steuerunmmer. I know this looks & sounds very similar, but they are not the same thing. A Steuernummer is assigned by a tax office for particular tax matters and may change, for example, when you move to another tax office’s area.
WHY DO YOU NEED IT?
Your employer usually needs your Steuer-ID to calculate your salary tax deductions correctly.
You may also need it for tax returns and other tax-related matters.
HOW DO YOU GET IT?
After your first Anmeldung (address registration), you’ll usually receive your Steuer-ID automatically by post.
If you haven’t received it within 3 months, you can request it through the official BZSt online form.
💡 Make sure your name is clearly visible on your mailbox as soon as you move in! Important official letters in Germany are often sent by post, and you don’t want to miss them.
💡 Keep that letter somewhere safe, even if you’re only here for a short exchange. You never know when you might need it again!
COMING BACK TO GERMANY?
Did you do an exchange semester in Germany (like me) and now you’re coming back for work, a master’s degree or something else?
If you’ve stayed in Germany before, and did your Anmeldung, even just for an exchange semester, chances are you’ve already received a letter with your Steuer-ID!
Your Steuer-ID stays the same for life, even if you leave Germany and come back years later.
LOST YOUR STEUER-ID?
Already lived in Germany before? You can request it again online through the Bundeszentralamt für Steuern (BZSt).
Important to know:
- You’ll receive the same number, not a new one.
- The BZSt sends the notification by post.
- They won’t tell you your number by phone, email or any other means for privacy reasons. ONLY BY POST
Official request page: BZSt – Obtain tax identification number.
DON’T WAIT UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE!
Even though you can request your Steuer-ID again, delivery takes time.
From my own experience, it arrived quite quickly. But that doesn’t mean it will always be the same for everyone!
So if you know you’ll need it soon, check whether you already have it. Otherwise, request it early to avoid unnecessary stress.
Questions about the Tax Id in Germany
How long does it take to receive my Steuer-ID after Anmeldung?
Your Steuer-ID is normally sent by post to your registered German address. Delivery times can vary.
According to the Bundeszentralamt für Steuern (BZSt), if you haven’t received the letter within three months of your first registration, you can request another notification.
What should I do if I haven’t received my Steuer-ID?
First, make sure your address is registered correctly and your name is on your mailbox.
If you still haven’t received your number, check the official BZSt website for instructions on requesting it.
Do I need a Steuer-ID to start working in Germany?
Your employer normally needs your Steuer-ID and date of birth to retrieve your electronic wage tax information.
If you haven’t received your number yet, explain the situation to your employer. In certain circumstances, temporary payroll arrangements are possible, but the applicable rules depend on why the number is missing.
Is Steuer-ID the same as Steuernummer?
No. Your Steuer-ID is an 11-digit personal identification number that generally stays the same throughout your life.
A Steuernummer is assigned by a tax office for particular tax matters and may change, for example, when you move to another tax office’s area.
Do I get a new Steuer-ID when I move or return to Germany?
No. Once you’ve been assigned a German Steuer-ID, it remains the same for life.
Even if you move to another city, change your name, or leave Germany and return later, you keep the same number.
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