Receive tax identification number

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 moving house or getting married.

You can usually also find your tax identification number

• in the income tax assessment notice or
• on the wage tax statement.

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

• you within 3 months of your first registration in Germany
• For your newborn child within 3 months of birth

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

Notification by telephone or e-mail is not possible for data protection reasons.

All taxable persons in Germany receive a tax identification number.

You will automatically receive your tax identification number 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 fill out the form using the Virtual Online Information (ViOlA), a chatbot.
• Fill out the input form completely and send it via the "send" field.
• You will receive the tax identification number by post to your current registration address.

• Information on the tax identification number on the website of the Federal Central Tax Office
• Questions and answers about the tax identification number on the website of the Federal Central Tax Office

Information not received or misplaced?
If you have not received the information or the letter has been lost, you have the option of requesting the tax ID assigned to you at www.bzst.de.

Written information:

Written information from the Federal Central Tax Office about the tax ID is only issued under certain conditions. The surname, first name, address, date and place of birth must match your data from the registration system.

The address is:
Federal Central Tax Office
53221 Bonn

Information also available from the Citizens' Office

A written confirmation of the tax ID recorded in the residents' register can be issued directly at the Citizens' Office for a fee if you come in person and present a valid ID document. The fee is €9.

Power of attorney: You can authorize someone in writing to obtain the tax ID for you. In addition to the power of attorney, please give the person your identity card (copy). The authorized person must also be able to present their own ID when providing information.

Federal Central Tax Office (BZSt)

• Tax identification number notification

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