Tax Number vs. Tax Identification Number
Where can I find the tax number?
The tax number can be found on the tax assessment notice (abbreviated: St.-Nr.) – regardless of whether it concerns an individual or a company.
Important: All companies in Germany must apply for a tax number with the tax office. This also applies to:
- GmbH
- AG
- Sole proprietorships (even if they are exempt from VAT)
Tax number format (F)FF / BBB(B) / UUU(U) P
- F = Tax office (first 2-3 digits)
- B = District number (next 3-4 digits)
- U = Personal distinguishing number (3-4 digits)
- P = Check digit (last digit)
Application Process & Timeline
How long does registration with the tax office take?
Can take 4 to 8 weeks, but depends on the use case. In certain cases it can also take longer than 8 weeks.
If you are establishing your small business (trade or freelance) for the first time and registering through our partners:
You can use your Qonto business account for 30 days. However, if your tax number/ trade license is not issued within 30 days, your transactions will be blocked until you receive the documents. Once you have received the missing documents, please upload them in your Qonto account.
Note: This 30-day period applies only to new business registrations through our onboarding partners. If you already have an existing sole proprietorship or freelance activity, we require your tax number and registration document directly when opening the account.
The tax office does not share the processing status with us for your review.
Here you can find the contact details of the local tax offices.
Account Management & Changes
I want to change something in my registration, how do I do that?
Please contact your local tax office so that the changes can be made.
What happens if my account application is rejected?
Your tax registration will continue to run with the tax office, but your account cannot be opened at Qonto due to regulatory requirements (at Qonto).
Is my tax number sufficient to open a Qonto account?
If you are a sole proprietor (trader), you also need a trade registration to activate your account at Qonto.
Security & Integration
Is registration with the tax office secure?
Yes, registration with the tax office is done via a secure API connection with Elster.
I have an ELSTER account myself, can I use this as well?
You can of course register with your personal ELSTER account. But if you use the Qonto account, it is a separate registration that will not be displayed in your personal ELSTER account.
Notifications & Communication
What notifications will I receive after I have applied for my tax number?
Our partner will send you the protocol confirming your registration with the tax office.
This PDF also contains all the information you sent.
The tax office normally uses postal mail to contact the applicant directly. We do not receive any notification from the tax office regarding questions, concerns, or approvals.
Additional Requirements
How can I apply for a trade registration?
Further information about trade registration can be found in our blog here - Register a trade: A guide to trade registration
Can Qonto help me with conversations with the tax office?
Unfortunately, Qonto cannot speak with the tax office on your behalf. You can work with a certified tax advisor to discuss matters with the tax office. A list of our tax advisors can be found here.