Official tax certificates in Germany: which one you need

Tax residence, tax standing or nothing owed to the city

Clients, foreign tax authorities and others sometimes ask for official proof from the tax side. In Germany that can be a tax residence certificate (Ansässigkeitsbescheinigung), used to claim relief from foreign tax, or a certificate in tax matters (Bescheinigung in Steuersachen) that sets out your tax standing. For money owed to a city, such as local business tax, the city treasury issues its own certificate.

Find your officeBrowse services

How it works

Get an official tax certificate

Request proof of your income, your tax residence or that you have no tax debts.

Banks, landlords, employers and authorities abroad may ask for an official tax certificate. The most common ones confirm your income, your tax residence for a double taxation treaty, or that you have no outstanding tax debts; some towns also issue certificates for local taxes. Ask the recipient exactly which certificate, tax year and language they need. Many tax offices let you request it online with your digital ID; others issue it at a counter, sometimes for a fee.

Also searched as

tax certificateincome certificatetax residence certificatecertificate of no tax debtstax clearance certificateproof of income

At a glance

Offices
16 offices in 15 cities
Book online
At 1 of 16 offices
Apply online
At 3 of 16 offices

Where you apply depends on the type of certificate

Tax offices and treasuries that issue certificates

A Finanzamt issues proof of tax residence and certificates in tax matters, while a city treasury such as the Stadtkasse in Augsburg or Düsseldorf handles what you owe the city.

Tax certificate offices

Related services

Other everyday services in Germany

Help with rent and living costs in Germany

For people who cannot cover rent, food or other basic costs. See whether the Sozialamt or the Jobcenter is your starting point and how to reach them.

135 offices · 39 cities

Tax registration with the Finanzamt in Germany

For freelancers, sole traders and new business owners. See how tax registration works, what the Steuernummer is for and which tax office can help.

108 offices · 37 cities

Report a change of address in Germany

For people who already live in Germany and move to a new home. See how to update your registered address and which office takes it.

104 offices · 39 cities

Residence permit applications in Germany

For students, workers and family members from outside the EU. See which office handles your stay and how applications start.

103 offices · 38 cities

Register your address after arriving in Germany

For anyone moving into a home in Germany from another country. See what the registration involves and which office in your city deals with it.

98 offices · 39 cities

Certificate of your registered address

For anyone who has to show where they live. See what the certificate covers and which office in your city issues it.

95 offices · 39 cities
Browse services

Other countries

The same task in other countries

Moving on, or comparing before you decide? See how this works elsewhere.

Where to next

Offices that issue tax certificates

See how tax offices and city treasuries handle certificate requests, and whether you can collect the document or receive it by post.

Tax certificate offices in Germany

Explore more

Jump straight to another part of the manual.