Obtaining a Steuer-ID (Steueridentifikationsnummer) A comprehensive guide for expats, students, and all newcomers
What is the Identifikationsnummer (Steuer-ID)? The Identifikationsnummer, commonly referred to as the Steuer-ID, is your personal, lifetime tax number in Germany. It is an 11-digit number that is assigned to you upon your first official registration in the country and remains unchanged for your entire life, even if you move, change your surname, or get a new passport. This number is essential for:
Processing income tax returns.
Calculating and deducting payroll tax for your employer.
Receiving social benefits such as Kindergeld, BAföG, or pensions.
Opening a bank account and for various other official matters.
How You Receive Your Tax ID
Automatic Assignment You do not need to actively apply for a Steuer-ID. Once you complete your address registration (Anmeldung), your data is automatically transmitted to the Federal Central Tax Office (Bundeszentralamt für Steuern - BZSt), and the number is issued to you automatically. Automatic Delivery by Post Within 2 to 4 weeks after your successful registration, you will receive an official letter from the BZSt containing your Steuer-ID at your registered address in Germany.
This letter is crucial. Keep it safe—photograph it or create a digital scan.
You will also find your Steuer-ID on your payslip (Lohnsteuerbescheinigung) or your income tax notice (Einkommensteuerbescheid).
What to Do if the Letter Doesn't Arrive or is Lost If your Steuer-ID letter has not arrived after 2–3 weeks, or if you have lost the document, there are several ways to retrieve your number. Online Request You can request your Steuer-ID online through the official form provided by the BZSt at www.identifikationsmerkmal.de. The request is free of charge. Personal Visit You can also visit your local tax office (Finanzamt) in person. However, be aware that, for data protection reasons, the Finanzamt can only issue the number in urgent exceptional cases during a personal visit. Important Data Protection Note For security reasons, your Steuer-ID cannot be communicated by phone or email. It is only sent by post to your registered address.
