Step-by-step advisor

Steuerklasse Calculator Germany

Answer a few simple questions to find the best tax class for your situation. We will explain exactly which class you should use and why.

Step 1 of 2Relationship status

What is your relationship status?

Your marital status determines which tax classes are available to you.

Understanding German tax classes

Germany uses a system of six tax classes (Steuerklassen) to determine how much income tax is withheld from your monthly salary. Your tax class does not change your annual tax liability. It only affects how much is taken each month. At year-end, you settle up through your tax return.

Tax Class 1 is the default for single, divorced, or widowed employees. It applies the standard tax-free allowance (Grundfreibetrag) of €12,348 in 2026. If you have no special circumstances, this is your class.

Tax Class 2 is for single parents who live alone with their child and are the sole earner. It provides an additional relief (Entlastungsbetrag für Alleinerziehende) of €4,260 per year, plus €240 for each additional child. You must be truly single; cohabiting disqualifies you.

Tax Classes 3, 4, and 5 are for married couples or registered civil partnerships. Class 4/4 is the default and works well when both partners earn similar amounts. Class 3/5 shifts the tax burden: the higher earner (class 3) pays much less monthly tax, while the lower earner (class 5) pays more. The 3/5 combination maximises monthly cash flow but often results in owing money at tax time.

Tax Class 6 applies automatically to your second job. It has no tax-free allowance and the highest withholding rate. This prevents you from applying the Grundfreibetrag twice.

Frequently asked questions

What is a Steuerklasse (tax class) in Germany?
A Steuerklasse is a tax classification that determines how much income tax is withheld from your monthly salary. Germany has 6 tax classes, and your class is based on your marital status, employment situation, and family circumstances. Choosing the right class can significantly affect your monthly take-home pay.
How do I change my Steuerklasse?
You can change your tax class by submitting a form to your local tax office (Finanzamt). Married couples can change their combination once per year, but if one spouse loses their job or there are significant income changes, an additional change may be allowed. The change typically takes effect the following month.
What is the difference between tax class 3 and 5?
Tax class 3 gives you the lowest monthly tax withholding (more take-home pay), while class 5 has the highest withholding (less take-home pay). Married couples use the 3/5 combination when one partner earns significantly more. The higher earner takes class 3, and the lower earner takes class 5. Note: Your annual tax liability remains the same. These classes only affect monthly withholding.
Should married couples choose 3/5 or 4/4?
If both partners earn similar salaries, class 4/4 is usually best as it results in similar withholding throughout the year. If one partner earns significantly more (roughly 60% or more of the household income), class 3/5 can increase your combined monthly take-home pay. However, 3/5 often leads to additional tax owed at year-end, requiring a tax return.
What tax class do I get if I have a second job?
Your main job uses your regular tax class (1-5 depending on your situation), but any additional employment automatically uses tax class 6. Class 6 has the highest tax withholding with no basic allowance. This is because your Grundfreibetrag (tax-free allowance) is already applied to your main job.
Does my tax class affect my total annual tax?
No, your tax class only affects how much tax is withheld each month. Your actual annual tax liability is calculated when you file your tax return and is based on your total income, regardless of your tax class. The class just determines whether you overpay throughout the year (getting a refund) or underpay (owing additional tax).

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