Tax identification number, allocation (BZSt)

Prerequisites

• A domestically registered resident

Documents required

No

Please note

The local tax offices cannot issue tax identification numbers and cannot influence the allocation process of the Federal Central Tax Office.
The registration offices are responsible for changing the civil status data in the registration register (e.g. marriage, birth).

The notification of the ID number can take up to 4 weeks. For data protection reasons, the ID number can only be given by letter.

Deadlines

No

Procedure

The identification number (IdNr) will be sent to you automatically by letter from the BZSt after your birth or when you move to Germany from abroad for the first time, as soon as the registration authority has sent the required data to the BZSt.

Processing time

It may take up to 4 weeks for your IdNo to be communicated.


When registering for the first time in Germany or after birth, shipping can take 4-8 weeks.


If it has not been sent after 3 months, it is also advisable to submit a written application to the BZSt, stating the required data.

Fees

No

Legal remedies

objection

Legal basis

§§ 139a and 139b tax code.

Germany is following the example of many neighbors in the European Union and modernizing its complicated and expensive tax system. With the introduction of the tax identification number (IdNr), the Federal Ministry of Finance and the Federal Government want to simplify the taxation process and reduce bureaucracy. In the future, the ID number will replace the tax number for income tax purposes. For a transition period it is necessary that both numbers are used in parallel. The ID number remains valid for life and does not change if you move or get married. The ID number is an 11-digit number and does not contain any information about you or the responsible tax office.
You (including children, as a tax liability can arise from birth) will receive the tax identification number for clear identification in the taxation process.
After your birth or when you first move to Germany from abroad, the BZSt will automatically inform you by letter as soon as the registration authority has transmitted the required data to the BZSt.
Will replace the tax number for the area of income tax in the future. For a transition period it is necessary that both numbers are used in parallel.
Remains valid throughout your life and does not change if you move or get married.
Is an 11-digit number and contains no information about you or the responsible tax office.
The tax identification number can be seen in the following of your documents, among others:
Income tax notice
Income tax certificate
Notice from the BZSt
Other correspondence with the tax office
Is available to your current employer for income tax deduction

If your ID number cannot be found, you can request it again using an input form from the Federal Central Tax Office (see links).