The Steuer-ID in Germany: A Complete Explainer

Every person registered in Germany receives a Steuer-ID (Steueridentifikationsnummer, or tax identification number) — an 11-digit number that stays with them for life. It is one of the most important numbers a resident will use, and understanding what it is, how to get it, and how it differs from other tax numbers prevents considerable confusion.

What Is the Steuer-ID?

The Steuer-ID is a permanent, individual tax identification number issued to every person registered in Germany, including children and non-working residents. It is assigned by the Bundeszentralamt für Steuern (Federal Central Tax Office, BZSt) and does not change — not when you move, change jobs, get married, or change your name. It follows a person for their entire life and is even retained if someone leaves Germany and returns years later.

The number is 11 digits long and begins with a digit between 1 and 9 (never 0). It is purely an identifier — it contains no coded information about the holder.

How You Get a Steuer-ID

The Steuer-ID is issued automatically after completing the Anmeldung (address registration) at the Bürgeramt. No separate application is needed. The Bundeszentralamt für Steuern generates the number and sends it by post to the registered address, usually within 2 to 4 weeks of registration.

The letter arrives from the BZSt in Bonn and looks unremarkable — it is easy to mistake for junk mail. It should be opened and the number stored somewhere safe.

People who were born in Germany automatically received a Steuer-ID from 2008 onward; those born earlier may have received theirs when they first had dealings with the tax office.

What the Steuer-ID Is Used For

The Steuer-ID is required in a wide range of situations:

• Employment: Employers need the Steuer-ID to register an employee with the tax authorities and to process payroll correctly. Without it, the highest tax class (Steuerklasse VI) is applied by default — a significant financial penalty

• Tax returns: The Steuer-ID is required on any Steuererklärung (tax return) filed with the Finanzamt

• Banking: Banks and financial institutions request the Steuer-ID for account opening and reporting purposes, as required under EU and German law

• Child benefit: Applications for Kindergeld (child benefit) require both the parent's and child's Steuer-ID

• Pension: Correspondence with Deutsche Rentenversicherung uses the Steuer-ID for identification

What to Do If the Steuer-ID Is Lost

The Steuer-ID does not change, so a lost number can always be retrieved. There are two ways:

1. Check existing documents: The Steuer-ID appears on the annual tax assessment notice (Einkommensteuerbescheid), wage statements (Lohnsteuerbescheinigung), and any letters from the Finanzamt

2. Request it from the BZSt: Submit a written request to the Bundeszentralamt für Steuern. The form (Anforderung der Steuer-Identifikationsnummer) is available on the BZSt website. The number is sent by post to the registered address — it cannot be given out by phone or email, for security reasons. Processing takes approximately 4 weeks.

Steuer-ID vs. Steuernummer: An Important Distinction

This is where significant confusion arises. There are two different tax numbers in Germany, and they serve different purposes:

Steuer-ID (Steueridentifikationsnummer)

• 11 digits

• Assigned once, permanent for life

• Issued by the Bundeszentralamt für Steuern (federal level)

• Used for personal income tax, employer reporting, banking

• Every registered resident has one

Steuernummer (Tax Number)

• 10-13 digits, format varies by federal state

• Assigned by the local Finanzamt (tax office)

• Can change if you move to a different Finanzamt district or federal state

• Used on invoices for freelancers and self-employed people, and on business tax returns

• Not the same as the Steuer-ID

Freelancers and self-employed individuals need both. The Steuernummer goes on invoices (it is legally required). The Steuer-ID is used for personal income tax matters and must be provided to clients and the tax office when registering as self-employed. Some freelancers are also issued a Umsatzsteuer-Identifikationsnummer (USt-IdNr.) for VAT purposes — this is a third, separate number used for EU cross-border transactions.

Common Confusions

"My employer is asking for my Steuernummer." Most employers mean the Steuer-ID. Clarify which number they need before assuming — employees almost always need to provide the Steuer-ID, not a Steuernummer.

"The bank is asking for my tax ID." Banks want the Steuer-ID for FATCA/CRS reporting obligations.

"I haven't received my Steuer-ID yet." If more than 4 weeks have passed since Anmeldung, check that the registration was successfully processed, then contact the BZSt or local Finanzamt for guidance.

"I'm starting a new job but don't have my Steuer-ID yet." Inform the employer immediately — they can proceed with a temporary arrangement, but the Steuer-ID should be provided as soon as possible to avoid Steuerklasse VI being applied.

Key Takeaways

• The Steuer-ID is an 11-digit permanent number issued automatically 2-4 weeks after Anmeldung, by post

• It does not change for any reason — it is valid for life

• It is required by employers, banks, and for tax returns

• A lost Steuer-ID can be retrieved by written request to the Bundeszentralamt für Steuern

• The Steuer-ID and the Steuernummer are different things — freelancers need both, employees only need the Steuer-ID