Open the business account without a tax number: This is how it works

A business account can also be opened without a tax number (Image: Cottonbro Studio, Unsplash)

A Business account is for entrepreneurs indispensable in Germany – especially if you work as a corporation.

But what if you haven’t received your tax number yet? The good news: it is quite possible to open a business account without a tax number. However, you should consider a few things to make the process as smooth as possible.

Why some founders don’t have a tax number yet

Especially when it comes to start -ups or if a secondary business is set up, it is completely normal that the tax number is not immediately available. Whoever Make of businessoften receives a trade license within a few days, but the tax number is awarded separately by the tax office.

Depending on the region and the utilization of the tax office, the processing time can be between two and six weeks. In rare cases, the process can even take up to 12 weeks. This means that you cannot wait forever for the tax office to give you the tax number if you want to start quickly with your company.

How does the opening of the account work without a tax number?

The procedure is surprisingly simple: banks know that freshly baked entrepreneurs often do not have their tax number ready immediately.

That is why they have developed a pragmatic system. The trick is to simply enter “00000000000” when filling out the account opening form at the point for the tax number.

Many banks accept this place holding number and enable them to open the account immediately. But be careful: this placeholder is just a temporary solution. As soon as you receive your official tax number, you must submit it to the bank.

Which banks participate?

In particular, larger institutes such as Commerzbank or Deutsche Bank offer this service. Online banks have also increasingly started to temporarily unlock business accounts without a tax number.

Legal environment and what you need to consider

Even if it sounds so simple, the procedure naturally has certain framework conditions. The money laundering law (GWG) plays a central role. Banks are obliged to ensure their identity and prevent possible money laundering activities.

For you, this means: Despite the possibility of opening a business account without a tax number, you have to verify your identity. This usually happens using a videoident procedure, postident or directly on site in the branch. It is important that the bank records and documented its information correctly.

Some banks actually make it possible to open an account without a valid tax number, but not all offer the same service. It is therefore advisable to find out about the conditions of the respective bank in advance.

Tax numbers: You should know these differences

Not every tax number is the same. A distinction is made between different numbers in Germany:

• Tax identification number (tax ID): This personal identification number is awarded at birth and applies for a lifetime.
• Trade tax number (St. no.): Is used especially for commercial activities and the billing of commercial and sales tax.
• Sales tax identification number (VAT ID no.): Is also necessary if you are internationally active or do business within the EU.

When opening a business account, only the tax identification number or the trade tax number is usually relevant. But be careful: In international business activities, banks will sooner or later also be after the VAT ID no. questions.

Which documents do you need to open the account?

That depends on your legal form:

Solid entrepreneur and freelancer

• Valid ID card or passport
• Commercial registration (if you are not one of the freelancers)
• Tax number or sales tax identification number (if already available)

Corporations (e.g. GmbH, UG)

• Social contract
• List of shareholders
• ID documents of all shareholders
• Commercial register extract
• Commercial registration
• Tax number or VAT ID no. (if available)

While freelancers can usually also use a private account for business purposes, a separate business account is legally required for corporations.

This is how the opening of a business account without a tax number expires

1. Select account: Carefully research which banks offer an opening without a tax number and how high the fees are.
2. Fill in an application: In the tax ID, enter the “000000000” placeholder format.
3. Submit documents: Upload all the necessary documents or bring them directly to the branch.
4. Identity test: About video ident, postident or personally.
5. Account activation: The account is temporarily activated as soon as the identity examination is completed.
6. Submit tax number: As soon as you receive your tax number from the tax office, send it to the bank.

What you should consider when sufficient for the tax number

Even if you can open a business account without a tax number, this is not intended as a permanent solution. As a rule, banks set a deadline for submission. This can be between a few weeks and several months. Anyone who misses this deadline risks that the account is blocked.

In addition, you should know that certain services-such as transfers abroad or the use of certain credit lines-may be restricted as long as the tax ID is not available.

Conclusion: Opening the business account without a tax number is possible, but not without risk

It is possible to open a business account without a tax number, but should only be regarded as an interim solution.

Banks offer the option with the “00000000,000” space number so that you can get started. But: Without valid tax number, your options are often limited.

To avoid unnecessary problems, you should submit your tax number as soon as possible. Also make sure that different banks have different regulations – a closer look at the conditions is worthwhile