Steuerklasse 101 — German tax classes explained

The German Steuerklasse (tax class) determines how much income tax is withheld from your paycheck:

• Class I — Single, divorced, or married living separately
• Class II — Single parent
• Class III — Married, primary earner (spouse is Class V)
• Class IV — Married, both earning similar amounts
• Class V — Married, lower earner (spouse is Class III)
• Class VI — Second job

Newly married couples often default to IV/IV but can switch to III/V if there's a big income gap (more take-home for the higher earner). Worth checking with a Steuerberater if you're not sure.

Anyone here changed Steuerklasse and seen a big difference? Share your story 👇