Where can I find my tax number? Step by step

Where can I find the tax number and where can I find the tax identification number?

You can find both numbers on the tax assessment notice, at the top left on the first page.

You can have the tax identification number sent to you via this online form if you can no longer find it. You can call your tax office to inquire about the tax number.

Why are there a tax number and a tax identification number?

The question that certainly arises here is why there are even two different numbers. Unfortunately, these numbers are not identical.

The tax identification number (abbreviated “tax ID”) was introduced in 2008 to modernize the taxation procedure. It is intended for income tax and accompanies every taxpayer throughout their life and even 20 years after their death. Unlike the previous tax number, the tax identification number remains valid even after moving.

In the long run, the tax identification number will replace the “old” tax number for income tax. It is not yet clear how long the “old” tax number will remain valid. However, when the time comes that the tax number is no longer needed, you can see this on the tax forms. It is often recommended to specify both the tax number and the tax identification number when communicating with the tax office for a transitional period. This is to facilitate the work of the tax office.

What is the difference between a tax number and a tax identification number?

Originally, the introduction of the personal tax identification number was intended to replace the previous tax number system.

– You only need the tax number for your tax return.

– The tax number is assigned by the responsible tax office. If you move to another city, you will receive a new tax number from the tax office there. You can inquire about it at your tax office or request a new number. The tax number will be phased out in the coming years.

– In contrast to the tax number, the eleven-digit tax ID is assigned to a single person for life, regardless of relocations or name changes. You should always provide this number when communicating with the tax office. Important: The tax ID cannot be requested at the tax office, it is assigned by the Federal Central Tax Office (BZSt).

How are the tax number and tax identification number structured?

The tax identification number, abbreviated as tax ID, is assigned to a person permanently and uniformly at the federal level, provided they have a permanent residence in Germany. It consists of eleven digits, with one number occurring exactly twice.

The tax number, on the other hand, has 13 digits and looks similar throughout Germany, but shows some small differences in structure depending on the federal state. The number roughly follows this pattern: a/b/cp, where a stands for the federal tax office number, b indicates which tax office is responsible in which district, c is a type of personal tax number, and p is a single-digit check digit.

Can’t find your tax number?

You can inquire about the tax number for your tax return at your tax office.

You cannot inquire about your tax identification number at the tax office. You can request it via the online form from the Federal Central Tax Office (BZSt). You will receive the eleven-digit number by mail to your registered address. If you have further questions, you can contact the BZSt telephone support at +49 228 406-1240.

How to find your tax number and tax identification number on your payslip

In addition to your income tax assessment notice, you can also find your tax identification number on your payslip. It contains information about you and the responsible tax office.

The number consists of eleven digits and is located at the top center of the payslip.

If you are looking for your tax identification number and do not have a pay slip or proof of income at hand, you can check your notice from the Federal Central Tax Office. You can also request your tax ID via the online contact form.

Tax number and tax ID: Which number do I need for what?

The tax identification number is assigned to every German citizen at birth and remains valid for life. You will receive the notice with the number three months after the birth of your child.

The tax identification number is important for the allocation of tax documents as well as for opening bank accounts and applying for child benefits.

You need your tax number, for example, for your tax return or to issue invoices to customers. This is an essential aspect of your self-employment. If you want to start a business, applying for a tax number is one of the crucial steps.