Apply for a sales tax identification number 
You would like to know where and how you can apply for a VAT identification number for your company.
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Basic information
If you wish to supply or purchase goods or provide or receive services within the EU, you will need a VAT identification number in addition to your tax number. The Federal Central Tax Office issues this number on application to companies that are registered for VAT in Germany.
Requirements
Eligible to apply are
- entrepreneurs within the meaning of Section 2 of the Value Added Tax Act
- legal persons who are not entrepreneurs or who do not acquire the goods for their company if they require the VAT identification number for intra-Community acquisitions.
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Procedure
You or your tax representative (tax office) can apply for the VAT identification number in writing or online from the relevant office. You will be notified of the VAT identification number in writing. If a corresponding power of attorney exists, the authorized representative, e.g. a tax office, will be notified.
Online application
Call up the online form, fill in the input fields completely and follow the further instructions.
Written application by post or fax
- Send an informal letter to the relevant office requesting the VAT identification number. Your application must contain the following information
- Name and address of the applicant,
- Tax office where the company is registered,
- Tax number under which the company is registered for VAT purposes.
Do you not yet have a tax number?
If your local tax office has not yet issued you with a tax number under which you/your company is registered for VAT purposes, please contact them to apply for both numbers together.
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Competent Department
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Bundeszentralamt für Steuern (BZSt)
- +49 228 406-0
- +49 228 406-2661
- An der Küppe 1, 53225 Bonn
- Website
- poststelle
@bzst. bund. de
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Forms
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Assignment of a sales tax identification number (VAT ID)
Application to the Federal Central Tax Office for the issue or reissue of an already issued VAT identification number
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Fees / Costs
gebührenfrei
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Deadlines & processing time
What deadlines must be paid attention to?
None
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Legal Bases
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More Information
This page has been automatically translated by DeepL. We cannot guarantee that the translation is correct.
The official information in German is complete and correct. 18.07.2025