Changing your tax class: more net income each month

The wage tax class determines how much tax is deducted from wages each month. Married couples in particular can improve their monthly liquidity with the right combination; the annual tax fundamentally does not change as a result.

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Married couples/registered life partners are initially classified in the tax class combination IV/IV. Instead, they can choose III/V (with significantly different earnings) or IV/IV with a factor. That changes the monthly deductions, not the final annual tax.

The change is possible at the tax office and can be applied for several times a year. After a separation or the death of a partner, the tax class also changes; inform yourself in good time.

What you should do now

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1. Check the combination
Which combination fits: IV/IV, III/V, or IV with a factor (depending on the earnings ratio)?
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2. Consider the effect
The tax class also affects wage replacement benefits (e.g. parental allowance, sickness benefit).
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3. Apply for the change
Apply for the change at the tax office (the data is stored electronically as ELStAM).
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4. Mind the annual adjustment
Wage tax paid too much or too little is balanced through the tax return.

Frequently asked questions

Does a tax class change bring more money?

Monthly, yes: with the right combination less wage tax is withheld, so more net income stays. However, this fundamentally does not change the final annual tax; an overpayment or underpayment is balanced through the tax return. So the change mainly improves your monthly liquidity.

How often can I change my tax class?

Married couples can apply to change their tax class several times a year at the tax office. Note that the tax class also affects the amount of wage replacement benefits such as parental allowance, sickness benefit, or unemployment benefit; a timely change before such phases can be worthwhile.

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General information for self-help, not legal advice (RDG). In case of a high loss or uncertainty: contact a consumer advice center or a lawyer.