Is there a difference between the tax identification number and the tax number?

Yes, there is. The following characteristics distinguish the tax identification number from the tax number:

Characteristics of the tax number

• When you start work, this will be assigned to you by your responsible tax office

• it can change as a result of a change of employer, changed life situations or a change of residence

• is required for the tax return at the tax office

• can be found on your pay slip and your income tax statement

Characteristics of the tax identification number (also "tax ID")

• it always remains the same, despite a change of employer, changed life situations or a change of residence

• it is an 11-digit, individual and unique number assigned to you

• you keep the tax ID assigned to you for the rest of your life

• can be found on your pay slip and your income tax statement

Further information on the tax ID can be found at: 

https://www.bzst.de/DE/Privatpersonen/SteuerlicheIdentifikationsnummer/steuerlicheidentifikationsnummer_node.html