Obtain a tax identification number

Hamburg ServiceObtain a tax identification number

Obtain a tax identification number

As a citizen of Germany, you automatically receive a tax identification number. Learn how to request a new one if you lose it here.

Detailed description

The tax identification number serves to identify the taxpayer in the taxation process. It allows tax returns, notifications, and correspondence to always be clearly assigned to the respective taxpayer.

You must provide your tax identification number to your employer so that they can retrieve payroll tax deduction information, such as your tax class. These payroll tax deduction information is required to calculate your payroll tax.

The tax identification number is a "non-verbal number," meaning it doesn't reveal any personal data or the responsible tax office.

Every newborn child and all new citizens are automatically assigned a tax identification number upon first registering in Germany. This number remains valid for life and does not change even if you move or get married.

You can usually find your tax identification number

in the income tax assessment,
on the wage tax certificate.

If you cannot find your tax identification number, you can request it.

Information

Important notes

Prerequisites

You have registered your residence in Germany.
You have not yet received a letter with your tax identification number
- within 3 months of your first registration in Germany or
- for your newborn child within 3 months of birth.

Documents required

Please note

Local tax offices cannot assign tax identification numbers. They have no influence on the allocation process of the Federal Central Tax Office.

The registration offices are responsible for changes to civil status data in the population register (for example, in the case of marriage or birth).

As a refugee or asylum seeker, you will also receive a tax identification number. This is automatically generated once you are registered with the registration authority at your place of residence. The number has nothing to do with your residence status or work permit and contains no information about them. It is for tax purposes only.

Deadlines

Procedure & Fees

Procedure

Normally, you will receive your tax identification number automatically by mail to your registered address.
Children receive their tax identification number after birth.
You will receive a tax identification number when you move to Germany from abroad for the first time and have registered your residence.
If you cannot find your tax identification number, you can request it again using the input form on the website of the Federal Central Tax Office (BZSt).
You fill out the input form completely and send it to the BZSt.
You will receive the tax identification number by mail to your current registered address.

Processing time

It may take up to 6 weeks for your tax identification number to be sent.

Fees

Legal notes

Legal remedies

No legal remedy is provided

Legal basis

Section 139a of the Tax Code (AO)

Section 139b of the Tax Code (AO)

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