When you are asked how you want to log in, choose Zertifikatsdatei by clicking the blue button Ausswählen (select). You will see an overview of the login process - click Weiter again. You will be prompted to get a Zertifikatsdatei or certificate file in order to log in, which you’ll receive after registering - click Weiter (next). Go to the ELSTER website and click on Benutzerkonto erstellen to create user account. Please research your job category if you are unsure.Īnd as always - when in doubt, check your individual situation with a tax professional! Some common jobs (such as bicycle delivery person, tour guide, cleaner, etc.) may not be classified as freelancing in Germany at all - but may actually be a Gewerbe, or trade, requiring you to get a Gewerbeschein or trade license.

Please note: this guide is meant for those with straightforward freelance income (artists, teachers, writers, etc.). Since 2021, this form needs to be completed online via the ELSTER portal - or as Germany calls it, ‘Your Online Tax Office.’ Part 1 of this guide will help you set up a user account for the first time and Part 2 will explain how to complete the freelance tax number registration form ( Fragebogen). To start invoicing and collecting money in Germany, you’ll need to get a freelance Steuernummer or tax number (not the same thing as the Tax ID you received after registering your address) - and that means filling out the Fragebogen zur steuerlichen Erfassung.

Elster online zertifikat datei