Your Steuerklasse depends mainly on your marital status and household income: Class 1 for single employees, Class 2 for solo parents, Class 3/5 or Class 4 for married couples depending on the income split, and Class 6 for any second job.
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Last updated: 15 July 2026
Yes. Married couples can request a change of tax class combination at their local Finanzamt once per calendar year, usually before 30 November for it to apply that year. Single employees on Class 1 do not need to apply, it is assigned automatically.
No. Steuerklasse only affects your monthly withholding, not your total annual tax bill. Any imbalance between what was withheld and what you actually owe is settled through your annual Steuererklärung.
You are automatically moved to Steuerklasse 4 for both spouses from the date of marriage. You can then apply to switch to a 3/5 split at your Finanzamt if it suits your household better.