In many situations, such as starting a new job or filing your tax return, you'll be asked for your Tax Identification Number or your Tax Number. But what exactly are these numbers? Here, we explain everything you need to know, including how they differ, where to find them, and what they’re used for.

🤓 Key Takeaway: Your Tax ID (Steuer-ID) stays with you for life, while your Tax Number (Steuernummer) can change. Both are essential for communication with the tax office, but for filing your tax return with Taxfix, only the Tax ID is required.

• The tax ID - your lifelong companion
  • Where can I find my Tax ID?
  • What do I need the tax ID for?
  • What data is stored in your Tax ID?
  • Who has access to the stored data?
• The tax number - the flexible number
  • How do I get my Tax Number?
  • Where can I find my Tax Number?
  • New Life Situation – New Tax Number
  • Why do I need a tax number?

The tax ID - your lifelong companion

The Tax Identification Number (Tax ID) is an 11-digit, personal number that every registered person in Germany receives, and it remains unchanged for life. Even if you move or get married, this number stays the same. The Federal Central Tax Office (Bundeszentralamt für Steuern) manages the Tax IDs and all associated data.

Where can I find my tax ID?

If you’re registered in Germany, you’ll automatically receive your Tax ID by mail. For newborns, it’s often the first letter they receive. Be sure to keep this letter safe.

If you no longer have it, you can find your Tax ID on your payslip or your last income tax assessment notice.

👉  In the Taxfix app, entering your Tax ID is essential for the tax office to process your tax return and identify you correctly and without any doubt.

💡 Can’t find your Tax ID? You can request it from the Federal Central Tax Office.

What do I need the tax ID for?

You’ll need your Tax ID in various situations, such as:

• Filing your electronic tax return, e.g., using the Taxfix app.
• Starting a new job, so your employer can report your tax class.
• Applying for benefits like child allowance or pensions.
• For notifications to the tax authorities.

What data is stored in your Tax ID?

Several personal details are linked to your Tax ID, including:

• Full name (including previous names)
• Date and place of birth
• Current and past registered addresses
• Day of moving in and out
• Gender, title, and responsible tax offices
• Information about data access restrictions under the Federal Registration Act
• Date of death (if applicable)

These data are stored for up to 20 years after the death of the taxpayer to handle any outstanding tax matters.

Who has access to the stored data?

Only tax authorities are allowed to access your data. The Tax ID simplifies communication both between tax offices and with them. While social insurances like health insurance companies and banks may receive your Tax ID, they cannot access the detailed data associated with it.

The tax number - the flexible number

The Tax Number is a 13-digit number assigned to you by your local tax office. Unlike the Tax ID, the Tax Number isn’t permanent. For instance, if you move to a different federal state or get married, you’ll be assigned a new Tax Number.

Tax offices use this number for identification and as a reference for internal organization. However, in the Taxfix app, you only need to provide your Tax ID.

How do I get my tax number?

You’ll receive your Tax Number by mail once you submit your first tax return to the tax office. If you’ve never filed a tax return, you won’t have a Tax Number yet.

Where can I find my tax number?

Your Tax Number can be found in the top left corner of your income tax assessment notice. If you don’t have this notice anymore, you can request the number from your local tax office. Your responsible tax office depends on where you live – you can find this information on your city or state’s official website.

New Life Situation – New Tax Number

You will receive a new or additional tax number, if your life circumstances change, for example:

• Relocation: Moving to a different federal state
• Getting married or divorced (for joint or separate tax assessments)
• Requesting separate tax assessments after being jointly assessed
• Starting self-employment

Unlike your Tax ID, you may have multiple Tax Numbers. For instance, if you are self-employed and also married, you might have one Tax Number for your self-employment and another for your marriage-related tax matters.

Why do I need a tax number?

The Tax Number is used for communication with the tax office and for handling tax types such as wage tax, VAT, and business tax. However, for your income tax return, your Tax ID is usually sufficient. If you already have a Tax Number, including it in your tax return can sometimes speed up processing at the tax office.