Obtain tax identification number

As a citizen in Germany, you automatically receive a tax identification number. You can request a new one online if you lose it.

The tax identification number is used to identify the taxpayer in the taxation procedure. It means that tax returns, notifications and correspondence can always be clearly assigned to the respective taxpayer.

The tax identification number is a "non-speaking number". This means that neither personal data nor the responsible tax office can be read from it.

Every newborn child and all new citizens are automatically assigned a tax identification number when they first register in Germany. It remains valid for life and does not change when you move house or get married.

You can usually also find your tax identification number

• in your income tax assessment notice or
• on your income tax statement.

You can request your tax identification number via the input form of the Federal Central Tax Office (BZSt) if

• within 3 months of your first registration in Germany
• you have not yet received a tax identification number for your newborn child within 3 months of the birth

you have not yet received a letter with the tax identification number.

For data protection reasons, it is not possible to notify us by telephone or e-mail.

You do not need to submit any documents.

All taxable persons in Germany receive a tax identification number.

No legal remedies are provided.

You will receive the tax identification number automatically by post to your registration address.

• As a taxable person in Germany, you will automatically receive a tax identification number.
• Children receive their tax identification number after birth.
• If you cannot find your tax identification number, you can request your tax identification number again online using the entry form on the website of the Federal Central Tax Office (BZSt).
  • The form guides you step by step through the individual sections.
  • You can also complete the form using the Virtual Online Information (ViOlA), a chatbot.
• Complete the form in full and submit it by clicking on the "Send" button.
• You will receive the tax identification number by post to your current registration address.

There is no deadline.

If, in exceptional cases, the tax certificate has not been sent even after 3 months, it is advisable to submit a written request to the Federal Central Tax Office, stating the required data.

There are no costs involved.

There are no indications or specifics.