The process for obtaining a tax ID number depends on whether you're a citizen in Germany or a taxpayer in the U.S. For Germany:
- Automatic assignment As a citizen in Germany, you automatically receive a tax identification number
. After registering your address, expect to receive your personal tax identification number by mail within 2–4 weeks
. Newborn children also automatically receive one
- Locating your tax ID Your tax identification number can be found on your income tax assessment, payroll tax certificate, or an information letter from your tax office
- Requesting a new one If you've lost your tax ID, you can request a new statement from the Federal Tax Office, which will be sent by post
. You can request it through the Federal Central Tax Office input form or by letter
- Contacting the tax office For further assistance, contact the tax office responsible for your district and provide your registered address in the authority finder to locate the relevant office
For the U.S.:
- Social Security Number (SSN) To obtain an SSN, complete Form SS-5, Application for a Social Security Card, and submit evidence of your identity, age, and U.S. citizenship or lawful alien status
. You can get this form by calling 800-772-1213 or going to your local Social Security office
- Employer Identification Number (EIN) Also known as a federal tax identification number, the EIN identifies a business entity, estate, or trust with income to report on Form 1041, U.S. Income Tax Return for Estates and Trusts
- Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) An ITIN is a tax processing number for certain nonresident and resident aliens, their spouses, and dependents who cannot get an SSN
. To get an ITIN, complete IRS Form W-7, IRS Application for Individual Taxpayer Identification Number
. The W-7 form requires documentation to verify foreign/alien status and identity
. Mail the documentation with Form W-7 to the address in the Form W-7 Instructions, present it at IRS walk-in offices, or process your application through an Acceptance Agent authorized by the IRS
