How do you get a German tax identification number in 2026?

Complete Anmeldung, the compulsory registration of your German home. The registration authority sends the necessary data to the Bundeszentralamt für Steuern, the Federal Central Tax Office.

The office assigns your Steueridentifikationsnummer, the personal tax identification number, and posts the notice to your registered address. Put your full registered surname on the mailbox so the letter can be delivered.

The number has 11 digits and stays with you for life. Moving, marrying, changing your name, or leaving and later returning to Germany does not create a new one.

Check that the address registration is correct and your name appears on the mailbox. Delivery can take several weeks after first registration.

If the notice is still missing after a reasonable period, use the Federal Central Tax Office's official request process. For data-protection reasons, the number is sent to the registered address rather than casually disclosed by email or telephone.

You may also find the number on older tax notices, payroll documents, or correspondence. Do not post it publicly or send it through an unverified chat.

Give the tax identification number to payroll along with the personal details requested by the employer. Payroll uses electronic wage-tax data to calculate deductions.

If the number is delayed, speak with payroll immediately. The employer can explain how temporary withholding will work and correct records once the number arrives.

Each child also receives an individual number, which may be needed for family-benefit and tax processes.

A Steuernummer is a tax-office case number used for particular tax matters and can change with office or activity. Freelancers and businesses may receive one after submitting the tax-registration questionnaire.

A VAT identification number serves cross-border value-added-tax purposes for qualifying businesses. Neither number replaces your personal tax identification number.