Federal Central Tax Office

Apply for a business identification number (W-IdNr.)

When you start a business activity, you will be given a business identification number (W-IdNr.).

Detailed description

The Federal Central Tax Office is responsible for the allocation and communication of the W-Id number.



The Federal Central Tax Office (BZSt) will assign a business identification number (W-IdNr.) to every economically active person from November 2024. The allocation of the W-IdNr. is expected to continue until mid-2026.



Indicating the W-ID number in tax declaration forms is optional until the full allocation has been completed.



The W-IdNr consists of the letters "DE" and nine digits. It is visually identical to the VAT identification number and is supplemented by a five-digit distinguishing feature for each individual economic activity, each business and each permanent establishment.

 

Information

Prerequisites

You will receive a business identification number (W-IdNr.) if you:


- are economically active as a natural person or


- are a legal entity or


- are an association of persons.

Documents required

no

Please note

The W-ID number is assigned automatically by the Federal Central Tax Office. The tax offices cannot therefore provide any information on the status of the assignment.



If you have any questions about the W-IdNr., please contact the BZSt directly using the contact form.



Further information on the W-IdNr. can be found on the website of the Federal Central Tax Office, in particular


· to set up the W-IdNr.,


· the allocation of the W-IdNr.,


· the validity of the W-IdNr.,


· the distinction between the W-ID number and the tax number and VAT ID number and


· to communicate the W-IdNr.

Deadlines

no

Procedure

You do not need to submit an application. You will receive the economic identification number automatically.



The Federal Central Tax Office (BZSt) will begin issuing W-ID numbers in November 2024. The allocation is expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2026.

Processing time

no

Fees

no

Legal remedies

No legal remedy is provided.

Legal basis

§§ 139a to 139d of the Tax Code

Links on the Internet

Address and contact information

Federal Central Tax Office

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Keywords: Information on economic identification number W-Id-No. Economic identification number distinguishing feature economic activity

Last updated: 10.10.2026