Does my tax class (Steuerklasse) change when I get married, and which one should we choose?

Automatic change: When you marry and update your address registration, the tax office (Finanzamt) automatically moves both of you to tax class IV. IV/IV suits couples with similar incomes.

III/V: If there is a big income gap, the higher earner can switch to III and the lower earner to V. The higher earner's monthly net pay then rises, while the lower earner's monthly net pay falls noticeably. Total annual tax does not change; the difference is settled at the end of the year through the tax return. Couples with III/V must file a tax return every year and may have to pay back tax.

IV/IV with factor (Faktorverfahren): Each spouse pays tax at a rate that better reflects their own income; there are no big surprises at the end of the year.

Elterngeld and other benefits: Because Elterngeld, unemployment benefit and Krankengeld are calculated from net pay, your tax class affects these payments. For Elterngeld, a change of tax class must be made at least seven months before maternity leave starts. If you are planning a family, check the timing.

How to change: Online via ELSTER or with a form at the Finanzamt. Married couples can change their tax class more than once a year. If you are unsure, ask a tax advisor or a Lohnsteuerhilfeverein.