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ΕλληνικάSteuerklassen — Tax Classes in Germany
What are tax classes for?
Steuerklasse (tax class) determines how much tax is deducted from your salary. The better your class — the more net income you receive.
6 Tax Classes
| Class | For Whom | Tax |
|---|---|---|
| I | Single, divorced, living separately | Standard |
| II | Single parents | Lower (relief) |
| III | Higher-earning spouse (partner has IV or V) | Lowest |
| IV | Spouses earning similarly | Standard |
| V | Lower-earning spouse (partner has III) | Highest |
| VI | Second job (Minijob doesn't count) | Highest |
Example: How much difference does the class make?
At €3,500 gross salary:
- Class I: ~€2,400 net
- Class III: ~€2,700 net (€300 more!)
How to change your tax class?
- Go to elster.de (tax portal)
- Submit request "Antrag auf Steuerklassenwechsel"
- Or visit Finanzamt with the form
Important: Change takes effect the following month.
Tips
✅ Married: If one earns significantly more — choose III/V
✅ Single parent: Make sure you have class II (lower tax)
✅ Minijob up to €520: Doesn't affect your class
✅ Two jobs: Second job always has class VI (worst)
Steuererklärung evens out differences
Regardless of your class, after filing your annual tax return (Steuererklärung) the office calculates what you actually owe and refunds the difference.
Editorial hamboorg.city · As of: April 2026 · Carefully prepared, regularly updated. Content is informational and does not replace legal advice.