Tax ID in Germany: What It Is and How to Get It

Represent Germany Tax Number It is of great importance to every German citizen within the country, as he automatically receives it at birth or registration for various tax purposes.

This number becomes permanently used by its owner, as when it is issued, it is not renewed again but remains with the same person.

We will provide you through Europedia 24 europedia24.com What is a tax number within Germany, how to get it, and what are its most important uses.

What is the tax number in Germany?

The German tax number is a unique set of 11 digits, which is issued based on a specific form:

1. In the first ten letters, the number one is repeated three times.
2. Two of the numbers are missing.
3. The first number is not zero.
4. The eleventh number is the verification number.

In Germany, a person’s tax number is issued for the rest of their life, as it does not change at all when moving from one city to another in Germany.

However, the information is deleted only after 20 years after the death of the person with the tax ID.

Also Read – What’s Better Tax calculation software in Germany?

Date of appearance of the tax number in Germany

The tax number in Germany first appeared in July 2007 and was put to the test, as registered residents in Germany received their numbers but without being used in taxes officially.

But in October, tax IDs began to be examined more closely in order to prevent duplication, and the process of getting rid of duplicate numbers took a long time, until the end of 2008.

The process continued in the same way in order to get rid of duplicate numbers, until 2013, the German Federal Tax Office confirmed that around 164,000 tax numbers were issued to all people in Germany.

Also Read – What is It Tax Law in Germany?

How to get a tax number in Germany

Every German citizen automatically receives a German tax number, or TIN, after registering their residence at the property or immediately after birth.

The time it takes to issue a person’s tax number is 2 to 21 days, depending on the nature of the city.

If you do not issue a tax number, you must apply online through Federal Tax Office, which takes up to 6 weeks, by following the following steps:

• Login to the official website of the Federal Tax Office.
• Enter all the required personal data and then click on the word send.
• You will receive the tax number on your address registered in the data.

Also Read – What are the Duties and Rights Job Center in Germany And how to get it

Uses of a tax number in Germany

In Germany, a tax number is of great importance to the owner, as its use depends on contacting the tax office in order to obtain various information.

Every German citizen needs to obtain a tax number if they fill out a declaration in Germany, or identify personal data.

The German Tax Office discovers a lot of personal information through the tax number, which is represented in the following:

• Surname and name.
• Degree.
• Date and place of birth.
• Address of residence in Germany.
• The tax office for the area in which the person resides.

It should be noted that the tax number is your point of contact with the tax office, so when you intend to provide any information, either to the office or to other people, you must provide your identification number.

A tax number in Germany is also important when filing your tax return, as it is possible that your employer, employment agency or insurance company will ask you for your tax identification number.

Of course you will get the number through the post office if you are registered in Germany, but you can also find the number through the payroll tax certificate that you get from your employer once a year.

You can also get it by reviewing the tax assessment notice, as well as the possibility to request the number from the Federal Tax Service’s central office.

The uses of the tax number in Germany for companies are as follows:

1. Registering the Tax Identification Number in tax returns, invoices, and financial transactions.
2. Use it in commercial dealings with government agencies and other companies.

As for the uses of the tax number in Germany for individuals, they are as follows:

1. It is essential for individuals who work independently or have a business in Germany.
2. Registration of the tax ID in personal tax returns and financial transactions.
3. Use a tax definition to open a bank account.
4. Get health insurance.
5. Proof of identity.
6. Identify taxpayers and ensure the implementation of tax laws.
7. It works to ensure transparency by providing correct and appropriate tax reporting for paying taxes.

Also Read – What Are They Employment Taxes in Germany And how are they calculated?

Losing your tax number in Germany

There are many problems related to the tax number in Germany, perhaps the most important of which is the problem of losing the tax number in Germany.

If this happens, you should contact the Tax Authority’s office in your area and then submit a request to recover the number.

It may be necessary to provide the correct documentation in order to verify your identity and personal information.

There is also the problem of updating the tax information of your tax number, here you must submit the tax transfer form in order to update the data and personal information.

In any case, you must comply with all German laws within the country, in order to avoid legal problems that could force you to pay fines or imprisonment.

Also Read – Learn How Tax Refund in Germany With ease

Independent tax number in Germany

Another tax number known as the Independent Tax Number in Germany is the number you will receive when you register your work as a self-employed or self-employed person.

This number is similar to the non-business tax number you receive with your first tax assessment, and will therefore require you to put your freelancer or business tax number on all invoices.

When registering a business, a rather complex seven-page form must be filled out, which is a tax registration questionnaire.

Germany VAT Number

The VAT number in Germany is 9 digits and must start with the country code, and every company operating outside Germany or within the EU needs this number.

But if you register a small side business or only work within Germany, you don’t need to get a VAT number.

Accordingly, you need to put a VAT number on every invoice issued through your business.

Also Read – How to Calculate Income tax in Germany

Frequently Asked Questions on the Tax Number in Germany

Short answer according to research intention

The tax number in Germany is of great importance for every German citizen within the country, as it is automatically received at birth or registration for various tax purposes. In short: start by identifying the occupation, state, and language level, then compare the gross salary to the net and visa or work permit requirements.

Who benefits from this guide?

This content is aimed at job seekers in Germany and those who want to understand salaries, taxes and labour market conditions. Therefore, checkpoints have been added that help you turn information into a practical decision while reducing the risk of relying on general or outdated information.

Before you rely on the information

• Check for recognition of the qualification if the job is regulated or related to a professional licensure.
• Don’t compare salaries without counting taxes, insurances, and the cost of housing in the target city.
• Use only the employment contract or job offer from a trusted party and review the details before sharing any sensitive documents.

Official Sources and Reliable References

• Make it in Germany
• Federal Employment Agency
• Recognition in Germany

Frequently Asked Questions

Do the details vary from German state to state?

Yes, in subjects such as study, work, housing, and local services, details may vary by state or city, so you should consult the responsible party in the target location.

Does this article replace the official source?

No. The article explains the image and gathers important checkpoints, but does not replace official websites or specialist advice when there is a direct legal or financial impact.

Editorial Note: This content was edited on July 11, 2026 to add a clearer answer to the researcher’s intent, official sources, and practical checkpoints that enhance trust and expertise.

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