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SHORT ANSWER
You don’t need to apply. After you register your address, the Federal Central Tax Office (BZSt) sends your 11-digit tax ID to you by post, usually within a few weeks. If nothing arrives within 3 months, you can request it again online. It is never sent by phone or email.
Application
Not needed
sent automatically
Arrives
by post
to your registered address
Not arrived?
After 3 months
request again online
Valid
for life
does not change
What you need your tax ID for
- Your employer needs it to deduct income tax correctly. Without it, tax may be deducted at a higher rate until it is available.
- Your bank asks for it when you open an account or investment account.
- Insurance and pension: private pension and health insurance contracts can be tax-relevant and use your tax ID for reporting.
- Your tax return and all letters from the tax office.
Tax ID, tax number, VAT ID: what’s the difference?
| Number | Who gets it | Used for |
|---|---|---|
| Tax ID (Steuer-ID) | Everyone registered in Germany | Personal identification for income tax, for life |
| Tax number (Steuernummer) | People filing tax returns, self-employed | Issued by your local tax office, can change when you move |
| VAT ID (USt-IdNr.) | Businesses trading within the EU | Value added tax across EU borders |
Lost your tax ID or never received it?
- Check your documents. The tax ID appears on your payslip, your annual wage tax certificate and every tax assessment.
- Request it again online. Use the online form of the Federal Central Tax Office. It is free and needs no documents.
- Wait for the letter. It is sent by post to your registered address – on average within about four weeks.
Beware of scams: the authorities never ask for or send your tax ID by phone or email.
Your next step
- Get your social security number – Part of our first-steps series for expats.
- Pension in Germany for expats – How the German pension works and which private plans are tax-relevant.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to receive my tax ID?
Usually a few weeks after your registration. If nothing has arrived after 3 months, request it again online.
Does my tax ID change when I move or marry?
No. Your tax ID stays the same for life.
Can my employer start payroll without it?
Yes, but tax may be deducted at a higher rate until your tax ID is available. Give it to your employer as soon as you receive it.
Is the tax ID the same as my social security number?
No. They are two different numbers from two different authorities.
Sources (checked 20 October 2026)
This page gives general information and does not replace personal advice. Tax aspects are not considered; finanXpats does not provide tax advice.