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FAQ Regarding Tax ID & Tax Class

What is a Tax ID? (German: ‘ID-Nr’, or ‘Steueridentifikationsnummer’)

Your German Tax Identification Number (Steueridentifikationsnummer or ID‑Nr) is an 11‑digit personal number issued by the Federal Central Tax Office (Bundeszentralamt für Steuern – BZSt). Everyone who is liable for income tax in Germany receives one — including newborns, e.g. through inheritance. The Tax ID is permanent and does not change during your lifetime.

How do I receive my Tax ID?

After you register your residence (Anmeldung), your data is automatically forwarded to the BZSt. You will then receive a physical letter by post at your registered address. Your Tax ID appears in the top‑right corner. Please check your personal data and notify the authorities of any errors.

How long does it take?

Delivery times vary: it may arrive within 2–3 weeks, but it can take several months. This process cannot be expedited. Wilde Relocation monitors the status with the registration offices and usually obtains the Tax ID within the first weeks after your arrival.

What does Wilde Relocation do with my Tax ID?

If relevant and requested, we will use your Tax ID to apply for a tax class change on your behalf.

Important:

A tax class change may be temporarily rejected if your long‑term residence permit (from the immigration authority) has not yet been issued. The tax office is legally allowed to wait for this. Once the permit is available, the change can proceed. Any overpaid tax is generally refunded the following year through your annual tax return, depending on your personal situation.

Tax Class Overview (most common cases)

Unmarried:           Tax class 1

Married (default): Tax class 4/4

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  • All married couples are placed automatically in tax class 4/4.

  • Change to 3/5 is only possible upon request and once both Tax IDs are available.

  • A change from 4/4 to 3/5 does NOT change the total amount of tax you pay as a couple. It only changes the monthly salary deductions. The annual tax return balances over‑ or underpayments.

  • Only a certified tax advisor may advise which class is most suitable. Wilde Relocation is legally not allowed to give tax advice.

Example: Married Couple:

  1. Arrival in Germany in February without your family → you register alone and are assigned tax class 1.

  2. Your spouse and family arrive later in the same calendar year → once they register and receive their Tax IDs, you are automatically reclassified to tax class 4/4.

  3. In rare EU‑only cases, the tax office may already classify you as married even if your spouse temporarily lives abroad — this depends on your individual case and tax office decision.

  4. Any excess taxes paid will be refunded via your tax return.

Legal Notice

In Germany, only tax advisors are permitted to provide tax advice. Wilde Relocation may handle the paperwork, but the tax authority makes all decisions. For certified English‑speaking tax advisors, please refer to our free Tax Return Handout.

Net Salary Calculator

You can estimate your monthly net income here:

https://www.brutto-netto-rechner.info/gehalt/gross_net_calculator_germany.php

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