How to Change Tax Slab in Germany (2025 Guide)
Changing your tax slab in Germany (also known as Lohnsteuerklasse or income tax class) is an important step if your personal or financial circumstances change. Whether you just got married, had a child, changed jobs, or became a single parent, switching to the right German tax class can significantly reduce your monthly tax deductions. This guide explains who can change tax classes, the required documents, the application process, and deadlines in 2025 — so you can optimize your net income without missing important legal steps.
📌 Understanding the German Tax Slabs (Lohnsteuerklassen)
In Germany, there are six tax classes that determine how much income tax is withheld from your monthly salary.
- Tax Class I – Single, divorced, or separated employees without children.
- Tax Class II – Single parents entitled to child allowance.
- Tax Class III – Married employees whose spouse is in Tax Class V or not working.
- Tax Class IV – Married employees where both partners earn a similar income.
- Tax Class V – Married employees whose spouse is in Tax Class III.
- Tax Class VI – Employees with multiple jobs (applied to the second job).
Why it matters: Your monthly take-home pay depends heavily on your tax class. Choosing the correct class ensures you are not overpaying taxes and might even lead to a higher yearly tax refund.
📝 Reasons to Change Your Tax Slab in Germany
Several life events allow — or require — you to change your tax slab:
- Marriage or Divorce: Married couples can switch between Class III/V or IV/IV for tax benefits. Divorce automatically moves you back to Class I.
- Becoming a Single Parent: This allows you to switch to Tax Class II for extra child allowances.
- Income Changes Between Spouses: If one spouse earns significantly more, switching to III/V can be financially beneficial.
- Starting a Second Job: Your second job will be assigned Tax Class VI automatically.
Pro tip: Always simulate different tax class combinations on the official Finanzamt tax calculator before making the change.
📂 Required Documents for Changing Your Tax Class in 2025
To change your Lohnsteuerklasse in 2025, you generally need:
- Valid Passport or German ID Card
- Marriage or Divorce Certificate (if applicable)
- Child Birth Certificate (for Tax Class II)
- Anmeldung (Registration Certificate) showing your official address
- Completed “Antrag auf Steuerklassenwechsel” form (Application for Change of Tax Class)
Tip: Many Finanzämter now allow online submission via the ELSTER portal, which speeds up processing time.
🏢 How to Apply for a Tax Slab Change in Germany
- Check Eligibility: Confirm that your life situation meets the legal conditions for changing tax classes.
- Fill the Application Form: Get the official form from your local Finanzamt or download it from the ELSTER website.
- Gather Documents: Attach all required proof documents, such as marriage certificates or child birth certificates.
- Submit to the Finanzamt: Submit your application in person, by post, or online via ELSTER.
- Wait for Approval: Changes usually take effect from the following month after approval.
Processing Time: Typically 2–4 weeks, but during peak times (January and post-summer) it can take longer.
📅 Deadlines for Tax Class Changes in 2025
In most cases, you can request a change once per calendar year. However:
- After marriage, you can change immediately at any time.
- After divorce or separation, the change is mandatory by the next calendar year.
- Changes submitted after November 30th, 2025 will apply only from January 2026.
Tip: If you are married and want to optimize for a higher monthly salary, submit early in the year to maximize benefits.
💰 Costs and Fees for Changing Tax Slab
Changing your tax class in Germany is free of charge at the Finanzamt. However, if you hire a tax advisor (Steuerberater), you will pay service fees, usually between €50–€150 depending on complexity.
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Missing the deadline — results in waiting until the next year.
- Choosing the wrong class — can lead to underpayment or overpayment of taxes.
- Not updating after life changes — especially after marriage, divorce, or birth of a child.
✅ Summary Table – Changing Tax Slab in Germany (2025)
| Reason for Change | Eligible Tax Classes | Required Documents | Processing Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marriage | III/V or IV/IV | Marriage Certificate, ID, Anmeldung | 2–4 weeks | Free |
| Divorce | I or II | Divorce Decree, ID, Anmeldung | 2–4 weeks | Free |
| Single Parent Status | II | Child Birth Certificate, ID | 2–4 weeks | Free |
| Second Job | VI | Employment Contract, ID | 2–4 weeks | Free |
📌 FAQs
Q1: How do I change my tax class in Germany in 2025?
You can change your tax class by submitting the “Antrag auf Steuerklassenwechsel” form to your local Finanzamt along with the required documents such as your marriage certificate, ID, and registration proof. You can apply in person, by post, or online via the ELSTER portal.
Q2: Can I change my tax class in Germany anytime?
You can usually change once per year, except in cases like marriage or divorce, which allow immediate changes regardless of the date.
Q3: How long does it take to change my tax class in Germany?
The process typically takes 2–4 weeks, depending on the Finanzamt’s workload and whether you apply in person or online.
Q4: Is changing tax class in Germany free?
Yes, applying at the Finanzamt is free. If you use a tax advisor, expect to pay between €50–€150 in service fees.
Q5: Which tax class is best for married couples in Germany?
If one spouse earns significantly more, the III/V combination can lower taxes. If both earn similar amounts, IV/IV is usually better. Always use the Finanzamt’s calculator before deciding.