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Changing Your Tax Class (Steuerklasse) in Germany
Document Checklist
Steuerliche Identifikationsnummer
Identifikationsnummer (Steuer-ID)
Required: Your eleven-digit Steuer-ID (and your spouse's, for joint applications)
Where to get: Issued by the Bundeszentralamt für Steuern after Anmeldung; printed on prior tax assessments and on payslips
Cost: Already issued
The Steuer-ID, not the Steuernummer, is what ELStAM uses. If you cannot find yours, the BZSt can resend it to your registered address on request.
Personalausweis oder Reisepass
Personalausweis or passport
Required: Original (only when applying in person at the Finanzamt)
Cost: Already issued
Online via Mein ELSTER, identity is established through your ELSTER certificate or your Personalausweis with online-ID function.
Anmeldebestätigung
Confirmation of address registration
Required: Original or PDF (only when the Finanzamt asks for it)
Where to get: Issued by the Bürgeramt at Anmeldung
Cost: Already issued
Your Finanzamt is determined by your registered address (Zuständig ist das Finanzamt Ihres Wohnsitzes). Make sure your Anmeldung reflects your current home before changing tax class.
Spouse's signature and details (joint applications)
Required: Spouse's Steuer-ID and signature on the joint application
Cost: Free
Per the form instructions, both spouses must sign joint changes between class combinations such as IV/IV ↔ III/V. An exception applies when one partner moves from tax class III or V to tax class IV — only that partner's signature is required.
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