I am wondering how to get a UK Tax ID #? I am a dual CDN / UK citizen living in Berlin..?

Question

I am receieving some money from an employer here in Berlin, Germany - where I am currently living - and they have asked me whether I would like to pay taxes on the money in Germany, Canada or the UK. They suggested I get a UK tax ID and pay it this way when they found out I was also a UK citizen.

First, I am wondering if I can get a tax ID online, or without having to go to the UK - or to whom I should speak?

Second, as I am not that familiar with European tax law, I'm wondering whether there is a better choice when deciding whether to file in Germany, in the UK, or back in Canada?

Any help would be appreciated.

Adam

Answer 1

What David H. said: you don't have a choice on the matter. If you live in Germany, you are OBLIGED to pay to the German tax office; if you're an employee, you should give your employer your "Steuerkarte". If you're self-employed, you should fill in the tax forms (naturally you're allowed to use an accountant, Steuerberater or a tax-assistance-association - Lohnsteuerhilfsverein).

In addition, some countries (e.g. the US) demand that their citizens will also file taxes for work done OUTSIDE the US for a non-American employer. Then, there is some sort of deduction between the two countries. You should check with the Canadian embassy how it works in Canada - if you are required to report earnings outside the country (most sane countries don't demand it though, so it might be a US thing).

Answer 2

I am mystified why anybody thinks you have any choice at all.  If you're living and working in Germany you are liable to German tax.  Whether you are also liable to Canadian tax as a citizen I simply don't know, but the UK cannot tax you unless you are living or working in the UK.  So you don't need a UK tax ID and the government won't give you one because you don't need it.