Tax Classes in Germany Explained for International Students

Understanding tax classes in Germany can be confusing, especially for international students who are working part-time, doing a Minijob, or working as a working student (Werkstudent).

Many students notice that tax is deducted from their salary but don’t really understand why or how much.

This guide explains German tax classes in simple language, specifically for international students. By the end of this article, you’ll know which tax class you are in, why it matters, and how to avoid paying extra tax.

What Is a Tax Class in Germany?

A tax class (Steuerklasse) in Germany decides how much income tax is deducted from your salary every month. It is not something you choose freely; it is assigned automatically based on your personal situation.

Your tax class depends on:

• Your marital status
• Whether you have one or multiple jobs
• Whether you are a student or employee
• Your residency registration (Anmeldung)

Germany has six tax classes, but international students usually fall into Tax Class 1 or Tax Class 6.

Why Tax Class Matters for International Students

Many students ignore tax class until they see a lower salary than expected. Tax class affects:

• ✔ Monthly take-home pay
• ✔ Tax deductions
• ✔ Whether you need to file a tax return
• ✔ How much money you can get back later

Choosing or understanding the correct tax class can save you hundreds of euros per year.

👉 Read: How international students find part-time jobs in Germany

Overview of Tax Classes in Germany

Tax Class	Who It Is For
Tax Class 1	Single, unmarried employees
Tax Class 2	Single parents
Tax Class 3	Married (higher-earning partner)
Tax Class 4	Married (equal earners)
Tax Class 5	Married (lower-earning partner)
Tax Class 6	Second job / multiple jobs

Most international students fall under Tax Class 1 or Tax Class 6.

Tax Class 1 – The Most Common for International Students

Who Gets Tax Class 1?

You are in Tax Class 1 if:

• You are single
• You are unmarried
• You have one job
• You are registered in Germany (Anmeldung done)

This applies to most international students doing:

• Minijob (sometimes)
• Part-time job
• Working student job

How Much Tax Is Deducted?

Tax deductions are moderate in Tax Class 1. Students with low income often pay very little or no income tax, especially if they stay under the yearly tax-free allowance.

💡 Important: Even if tax is deducted, you can get it back by filing a tax return.

Tax Class 6 – Students With Multiple Jobs

When Do Students Get Tax Class 6?

You are placed in Tax Class 6 if:

• You have more than one job at the same time
• Your second job is registered as secondary employment

For example:

• One Minijob + one part-time job
• One Werkstudent job + another hourly job

Why Is Tax Class 6 Bad?

Tax Class 6 has:

• ❌ Highest tax deductions
• ❌ No tax-free allowance applied monthly

Many students panic when they see high tax cuts — but this is not permanent.

✔ You can claim most of this tax back through a tax return.

Do Minijobs Have a Tax Class?

Minijobs are special.

Minijob Tax Rules

• Income up to €538/month
• Usually tax-free for students
• Employer pays a lump-sum tax

👉 If Minijob is your only job, tax class often does not matter.

⚠️ If you combine a Minijob with another job, your main job stays Tax Class 1, and the other becomes Tax Class 6.

Tax Classes for Working Students (Werkstudent)

Working students usually fall under:

• Tax Class 1 (one job)
• Tax Class 6 (second job)

Werkstudent jobs often pay more, so:

• Income tax may apply
• Filing a tax return becomes important

👉 Read: Student jobs in Germany – Minijob vs Werkstudent

How to Check Your Tax Class in Germany

You can check your tax class on:

• Your salary slip (Gehaltsabrechnung)
• ELStAM record (electronic tax data)
• By asking your employer
• Through your local tax office (Finanzamt)

Can International Students Change Tax Class?

Automatic vs Manual Changes

• Most students cannot freely choose tax class
• Changes happen automatically after marriage, divorce, or second job

How to Update Incorrect Tax Class

If your tax class is wrong:

• Contact your Finanzamt
• Update your employment records
• Inform your employer

Do Students Need to File a Tax Return?

In many cases, yes — and it’s beneficial.

When You SHOULD File a Tax Return

• ✔ You were in Tax Class 6
• ✔ Tax was deducted from salary
• ✔ You worked only part of the year
• ✔ You had study-related expenses

Most students get money back.

👉 Official tax info: bundesfinanzministerium.de

Common Tax Class Mistakes International Students Make

• ❌ Ignoring salary slips
• ❌ Working two jobs without checking tax class
• ❌ Not filing a tax return
• ❌ Assuming Minijob is always tax-free
• ❌ Not updating data after new job

FAQs – Tax Classes in Germany for International Students

Which tax class do most international students have?

Most international students are in Tax Class 1.

Is Tax Class 6 permanent?

No. It applies only while you have multiple jobs.

Can students get tax refund in Germany?

Yes. Many students receive hundreds of euros back after filing a tax return.

Do students pay tax on Minijob income?

Usually no, unless combined incorrectly with another job.

Does tax class affect my visa?

Indirectly, yes. Incorrect employment records can cause issues during visa extensions.

Final Thoughts

German tax classes may look complicated, but for international students, the system is actually quite manageable once understood.

Understanding your tax class early helps you:

• ✔ Avoid overpaying
• ✔ Stay compliant with the law
• ✔ Save money during your studies