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Why Do I Need a Tax Number (Steuernummer)?
To apply for your tax number in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, the “Questionnaire for Tax Registration” (Fragebogen zur steuerlichen Erfassung) is essential. After registering your business (Gewerbeanmeldung), you should promptly complete and submit this questionnaire electronically via the ELSTER portal of the tax office. The tax office will review your information and then issue your tax number. You will usually receive the tax number within 2 to 4 weeks of application, depending on the processing time of the responsible tax office in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.
As a founder in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, you need the tax number for:
- Issuing invoices
- Submitting tax returns (e.g., VAT returns, trade tax returns)
- Communicating with the tax office
Applying for a Tax Number in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern – Step by Step
You usually apply for your tax number after registering your business by submitting the “Questionnaire for Tax Registration” electronically to the responsible tax office. Here are the individual steps:
1. Online Registration with ELSTER:
ELSTER (Electronic Tax Return) is the online portal of the tax administration. Therefore, you need a user account for electronic submission of the questionnaire. The good news is that registration is free and can be done at www.elster.de. However, you should note that the registration process can take a few days.
2. Selecting the Correct Questionnaire:
After registering with ELSTER, you can complete the appropriate “Questionnaire for Tax Registration” online. There are different versions for sole proprietorships, partnerships, and corporations. Make sure to select the correct questionnaire for your legal form.
3. Completing the Questionnaire for Tax Registration:
Now it's time to fill out the questionnaire. This captures all relevant data about your company, such as legal form, business purpose, and expected turnover.
Guide from the Founders' Platform
Our partner, the Founders' Platform, offers you a detailed guide for completing the “Questionnaire for Tax Registration.”
4. Electronic Submission:
Once you have fully completed the questionnaire, you can submit it electronically to the responsible tax office in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.
5. Processing by the Tax Office:
The tax office will review your information and then send you your tax number by mail.
Special Note for "Freiberufler": Freiberufler do not register their activity with the trade office (Gewerbeamt) but directly with the responsible tax office. They must also complete and submit the “Questionnaire for Tax Registration,” ideally within about 4 weeks of starting their freelance activity.
Important Information about the Time Frame:
There is no legally prescribed deadline for submitting the “Questionnaire for Tax Registration” after registering your business. However, it is strongly recommended to submit the questionnaire promptly. Usually, the tax offices send a letter after business registration requesting submission of the questionnaire, often with a deadline of about 3 to 4 weeks. Even if this deadline has no legal basis, you should adhere to it to avoid delays and possible problems with the tax office.
Tax Number (Steuernummer) vs. Tax ID (Steuer-ID):
A tax identification number (Steuer-ID) has been automatically assigned for several years. However, this should not be confused with the tax number for your business. The tax ID is a lifelong valid and personal number, while the tax number is assigned to your business.
Finding the Responsible Tax Office in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern
Your responsible tax office in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern depends on the location of your business. An overview of the tax offices in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern with the respective contact details can be found on the website of the Mecklenburg-Vorpommern Tax Portal.
Support and Advice in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern
Especially for founders, the bureaucratic process can be somewhat overwhelming. Here are some contact points in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern where you can find support:
Tax Office (Finanzamt):
Your responsible tax office in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern is available to answer your questions about the “Questionnaire for Tax Registration” and applying for the tax number directly. You can contact your tax office by phone, email, or (partially) in person.
Tax Advisor (Steuerberater):
A tax advisor can provide comprehensive advice on all tax issues and help you complete the “Questionnaire for Tax Registration.”
Chambers of Industry and Commerce (IHKs) and Chambers of Crafts (HWKs):
The Chambers of Industry and Commerce (IHKs) and Chambers of Crafts (HWKs) in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern also offer advice for founders.
- IHK zu Rostock
- IHK Neubrandenburg für das östliche Mecklenburg-Vorpommern
- Handwerkskammer Schwerin
- Handwerkskammer Ostmecklenburg-Vorpommern
On our "Consulting" page and in the guide "Founders' Supporters in M-V Briefly Introduced," you will also find other institutions and facilities specifically in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern that support you in your founding project. An overview of the most important funding programs can be found here.
Conclusion
Applying for the tax number is an important step after registering your business. If you fail to submit the questionnaire on time, the tax office can estimate your tax burden, which in most cases leads to higher subsequent payments. In addition, late payment surcharges or fines can be imposed. Therefore, it is advisable not to postpone the process.
FAQ – Applying for a Tax Number in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern
1. What is the difference between a tax number (Steuernummer) and a tax ID (Steuer-ID)?
The tax number is a unique identifier for your business and is assigned by the tax office. The tax ID (Steueridentifikationsnummer) is a lifelong valid and personal number that every citizen in Germany receives.
2. Do I have to apply for the tax number immediately after registering my business (Gewerbeanmeldung)?
There is no legal deadline in the direct sense. However, you should submit the “Questionnaire for Tax Registration” promptly after registering your business, ideally within 3-4 weeks.
3. Where can I find the “Questionnaire for Tax Registration”?
You can find the “Questionnaire for Tax Registration” in the online portal ELSTER.
4. How do I have to submit the “Questionnaire for Tax Registration”?
The “Questionnaire for Tax Registration” must be submitted electronically via the ELSTER portal of the tax office. Submission in paper form is usually not possible. You need a user account with ELSTER for this.
5. How long does processing take?
You will usually receive the tax number within 2 to 4 weeks of application, depending on the processing time of the responsible tax office in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. Until then, you are allowed to issue invoices and provisionally use your personal tax identification number (Steuer-ID).
6. What is the small business regulation (Kleinunternehmerregelung)?
The small business regulation exempts entrepreneurs with low turnover from VAT liability. If your turnover is expected to be below the legal limit, you do not have to show VAT on your invoices and do not have to submit VAT returns.
7. What happens if I do not apply for a tax number?
The tax office can estimate your tax burden, which usually leads to higher subsequent payments. In addition, late payment surcharges or fines can be imposed.
