Hamburg.deHamburg ServiceApply for a change of tax class during...

Apply for a change of tax class during marriage or civil partnership

As a spouse or life partner, you have three possible tax class combinations to choose from. You are free to choose from these.
  •  

Use Online-Service

ELSTER (electronic tax return)

Detailed description

The amount of income tax that is withheld from your wages depends on the tax class. If you and your spouse or partner (hereinafter for both: partner) do not live separately, you can choose between the following tax class combinations:
  • IV/IV,
  • III/V or
  • Tax class IV with factor.
Tax class IV with a factor is also referred to as a factor method.
In order to change your tax class, you must always submit a joint application to your local tax office. This also applies to a new assignment to tax classes III and V. You can apply for a tax class change in the following cases, for example: You or your partner
  • no longer receive wages or
  • return to work after being unemployed.
You can also change the tax class several times a year. To change from tax class III/V to IV/IV, it is sufficient if only you or your partner submit the application. You and your partner will then both be classified in tax class IV. A less favorable tax class can also be taken into account upon request (e.g. tax class I instead of tax class IV). If you and your partner live separately, you must inform your local tax office, as the tax class will have to be changed in the year following the separation (tax class I).
Note: Since the law introducing the right to marry for people of the same sex came into force on October 1, 2017, no new civil partnerships can be established in Germany. Since then, same-sex couples have been able to marry each other and are therefore treated equally to opposite-sex couples. Existing civil partnerships can be converted into a marriage. However, there is no obligation to do so. Already existing civil partnerships can be continued in the previous form. 

Information

Prerequisites

There must be an intact marriage or civil partnership so that you can choose between several tax class combinations. Permanent separation terminates the requirements.

Documents required

  • Form "Declaration of permanent separation" with tax identification number and the signature of a spouse/partner
  • Form “Declaration on the resumption of marital/civil partnership” with tax identification number and signature of both spouses/civil partners

Please note

  • Hamburg citizens can contact any regional tax office in Hamburg for ELStAM matters.
  • The registration offices are responsible for changing the civil status data in the register (e.g. marriage, establishing a civil partnership, birth).

Deadlines

Basically none.


However, the application for a change of tax class must be submitted by the beginning of November of a year if the changed tax class is still to be taken into account for the December payroll accounting period of the same year.


A change in tax class takes effect on the 1st of the month following the application.

Procedure

If you and your partner would like to change tax class, declare permanent separation, or want to resume marital/civil partnership, you must submit an application to the tax office:

You can apply for a tax class change online and barrier-free via MEIN ELSTER. ELSTER is a platform-independent access to the electronic services of the tax administration. In a first stage, only the offering or receipt of applications/declarations from persons with unlimited tax liability is covered.
You need a certificate for electronic authenticated transmission. You will receive this after your registration on ELSTER. Please note that the registration process can take up to 2 weeks.

Alternatively, you can select the appropriate application form in the form management system of the Federal Finance Administration in the "Tax forms" area under "Income tax (employees)":

  • "Application for a change of tax class"
  • Declaration of permanent separation
  • Statement of Resumption of Marital / Civil Partnership

Complete the application or declaration on an electronic device or print it out by hand. You and your partner must sign the application or declaration.
Send the documents by post to your local tax office.

Processing time

The application will be implemented as soon as possible after receipt by the responsible tax office. A change of tax class becomes effective on the 1st of the month following the application.

Fees

No

Legal remedies

objection

Legal basis

§ 38b paragraph 1 and 3 Income Tax Act (EStG)

Section 39 paragraph 6 of the Income Tax Act (EStG)

Forms and downloads

Related services

Links on the Internet

Choose one of 13 facilities ...

Add to addressbook
Show details

Add to addressbook
Show details

Add to addressbook
Show details

Add to addressbook
Show details

Haven't found the right one yet?

To Hamburg Service startpage

Keywords: Change of tax class Factor method Tax class combinations IV / IV and III / V Change of tax class for spouses ELStAM Change of tax class for life partners Tax class combination Tax class choice ELStAM, employees, change of tax class for spouses and life partners

Last updated: 16.05.2025