How to change your tax class in Germany ?
In Germany, the tax class (Steuerklasse) plays a key role in defining your financial calculation. You are a couple or a family that has just moved to Germany ? Find out here how to change your tax class in Germany
Support to fill out the tax class change application in Germany
Get In Expat offers personalized support on all of its services. We make the process of moving to Germany easy for you.
What is the tax class in Germany (Steuerklasse) ?
The tax class, Steuerklasse in German, is a criteria used by the German tax office to adjust your taxes based on your household. This system is only used for employees.
There are 7 tax classes, in Germany: from 1 to 6 (see FAQ section)
How do you know your tax class once in Germany ?
When you arrive in Germany, the first step is the city registration (Anmeldung). The city authorities will inform the Finance Office (Finanzamt) which will generate your Tax ID (Steuer-ID) and assign you a tax class. To find your tax class, your can ask your company or check your first payslip.
Generally, you will have a tax class 1 if you are single or you arrive without your partner in Germany. If you arrived with your partner, both of you will get tax class 4.
Why do you need to change your tax class in Germany ?
When you marital status changes in Germany, you may need to change your tax class.
In the case of expats families arriving in Germany and one of the partners does not work, it is recommend to change your tax class to automatically adjust your taxes.
Tax Class Change Service
€10
One time payment
Includes:
✓ Step by step tax class change tool in English
✓ Completed application form using the official Tax Office document
✓ Checklist to finalize your tax class change application
✓ All your personal data is deleted 24 hours after payment
✓ Online Support provided in English, French and Spanish
We've helped over 100 expats relocate to Germany
“Throughout the whole relocation process, Karla and Tarik were always available, friendly, and willing to help. We succeeded with all the processes for which we had their support (such as apartment search and child benefit), and we are extremely grateful for that!”
Oscar Carrasco
“Straightforward and easy to use.
Complete list of steps and docs needed to execute
Very satisfied with the service :)”
Marko Peric
“Tarik and Karla’s knowledge, professionalism, and care in facilitating the move to Germany is phenomenal. They have deep knowledge of many of the administrative requirements, provide nuanced perspectives tailored to your needs, and are very quick to respond. They are a wonderful team and I would highly recommend them.”
Rei Imada
Frequently Asked Questions
Changing your tax class after your arrival in Germany helps you to have a more realistic net income without waiting for your tax return . At Get In Expat, we know that the first months in Germany imvolve a lot of expenses, with this tool we want to reduce this burden
Here are some questions we receive about the tax class in Germany that might help you in the process. If others come, contact us directly!
Tax class 1: for singles, divorced, widowers and none married couples
Tax class 2: for single parents
Tax class 3: in a married couple, for the partner with the highest salary (the other partner will be assigned tax class 5)
Tax class 4: for married couples with similar income
Tax class 4 Faktor: for married couples with a more precise distribution between partners
Tax class 5: in a married couple, for the partner with the lowest salary (the other partner will be assigned tax class 3)
Tax class 6: for individuals with multiple taxable incomes
There is no one best option for tax class in Germany. All depends on your family status.
If you are single, tax class 1 is the default option
If you are married, tax class 4/4 (4 for each partner) is the default one
The tax class objective is to ensure a more accurate tax calculation during the year.
Your annual tax return will provide your final taxes statement with a tax refund or addtional amount to pay
For a married couple, there are 3 options:
- Tax class 4/4: for similar income
- Tax class 3/5 or 5/3: when a partner does not work or a partner has a much lower salary
- Tax class 4F/4F. for similar incomes with a specific accuracy factor applied
We always recommend our clients to consult a German tax advisor
Use our tool!
- Everything is explained in English,
- It takes less than 3 minutes
- It costs only 10€
Talk to us, we've got you covered!
You’re just moved to Germany and you are lost with all the paperwork ? Contact us for professional support every step of the way!
