German taxes for Americans: what actually applies to you

Germany taxes residents on worldwide income — and the US taxes citizens abroad. Yes, both. But treaties prevent most double taxation. The essentials: 1. Steuer-ID: your tax number arrives automatically after Anmeldung. Employers need it immediately. 2. Tax classes: married couples pick III/V or IV/IV — worth checking, the difference is hundreds of euros monthly. 3. Church tax: 8–9% extra if you register as religious. Many Americans skip declaring a religion at Anmeldung — think it through first. 4. Tax return (Steuererklärung): not always mandatory, but filing usually RETURNS money — average refund is over 1,000 euro. 5. US side: you still file a US return (FBAR for foreign accounts over $10k, FATCA). FEIE or tax credits usually zero out the US bill. 6. SOFA military: different rules — check with your base legal office. Tools: WISO and Steuererklärung apps work in English. For complex cases a Steuerberater (tax advisor) costs 200–500 euro but saves more.