Anyone who arrives in Germany and registers a permanent address automatically receives a tax identification number, known as the "Steuer-ID". This number is valid for life and is needed for important everyday matters such as employment, taxes, and opening a bank account. It is therefore important to keep it somewhere safe. All the key information on the Steuer-ID can be found below.

What is the Steuer-ID?

The Steuer-ID is a unique eleven-digit number assigned by the Bundeszentralamt für Steuern (Federal Central Tax Office) to every person with a residence in Germany. It is valid for life and does not change – not even when moving, getting married, or changing one's name. One important distinction: the Steuer-ID is not the same as the Steuernummer (tax number). The tax number is issued by the local tax office and can change when moving. The Steuer-ID always stays the same.

When and how is the Steuer-ID issued?

The Steuer-ID is issued automatically after registering a place of residence in Germany and sent by post. This can take up to four weeks. Those who need it sooner can request it directly from the Bundeszentralamt für Steuern online. The Steuer-ID can also be found on annual wage tax statements or in letters from the tax office.

What is the Steuer-ID needed for?

• Employment and salary: The employer needs the Steuer-ID to process payroll correctly. Without it, the least favorable tax bracket is applied automatically, resulting in a lower net salary. The tax bracket determines how much income tax is deducted each month and is based on marital status: married couples, for example, generally pay less tax than single individuals.
• Bank account: Banks have been legally required to record the Steuer-ID when opening an account since 2018.
• Tax return: The Steuer-ID is mandatory for the annual income tax return.
• Social benefits: The Steuer-ID is required for certain benefits such as parental allowance or child benefit.

Practical tips

The Steuer-ID should be kept somewhere safe, as it will be needed repeatedly. Those who have not yet received it or have lost it can request a new one free of charge from the Bundeszentralamt für Steuern online – it will then be sent by post.
If the Steuer-ID is not yet available when starting a new job, it is a good idea to let the employer know early on, as many are familiar with this situation and can bridge a short transition period. As a general rule, the Steuer-ID should only be shared with parties that genuinely need it, such as employers, the tax office, or a bank.

Responsible authorities

• Bundeszentralamt für Steuern (Federal Central Tax Office) – issues the Steuer-ID
• Bürgerbüro / Einwohnermeldeamt (Citizens' office / residents' registration office) – for registering a place of residence
• Finanzamt (Tax office) – for tax-related matters