Stuttgart

1. Finance-Related Government Offices in Stuttgart

a. Finanzamt Stuttgart (Tax Office)

The Finanzamt (Tax Office) is responsible for all tax-related matters, including income tax, VAT, corporate tax, and issuing tax identification numbers.

Key Services Offered:

• Issuing tax identification numbers (Steuer-ID) for individuals.
• Processing income tax returns (Einkommensteuererklärung).
• Handling VAT (Umsatzsteuer) for businesses and freelancers.
• Issuing tax certificates (Steuerbescheinigung).
• Providing guidance on tax-related queries.

Locations in Stuttgart: There are multiple Finanzamt offices in Stuttgart, depending on your district. The main ones include:

1. Finanzamt Stuttgart I
   Address: Rotebühlplatz 30, 70173 Stuttgart
   Phone: +49 711 66730
   Public Transport: U-Bahn stop "Rotebühlplatz Stadtmitte"

2. Finanzamt Stuttgart II
   Address: Heilbronner Str. 189, 70191 Stuttgart
   Phone: +49 711 66740
   Public Transport: U-Bahn stop "Pragfriedhof"

Costs:

• There is no fee for obtaining a tax ID or submitting tax returns.
• Late submission of tax returns may result in penalties.

Required Documents:

• For tax ID: Passport or residence permit (Aufenthaltstitel).
• For tax returns: Proof of income (e.g., salary slips), bank account details, and receipts for deductible expenses.

Procedure:

1. To obtain a tax ID, visit the Finanzamt or apply online through the Federal Central Tax Office (Bundeszentralamt für Steuern).
2. For tax returns, you can file online via the ELSTER portal (https://www.elster.de) or consult a tax advisor (Steuerberater).

Local Considerations:

• Most correspondence with the Finanzamt is in German. If you’re not fluent, consider hiring a tax advisor or translator.
• Tax filing deadlines are typically July 31 of the following year, but extensions can be requested.

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b. Familienkasse Stuttgart (Family Benefits Office)

The Familienkasse handles child benefits (Kindergeld) and parental allowances (Elterngeld).

Key Services Offered:

• Processing applications for Kindergeld (child benefits).
• Providing information on Elterngeld (parental allowance).

Location:

• Address: Neckarstraße 155, 70190 Stuttgart
• Phone: +49 800 4555530
• Public Transport: U-Bahn stop "Stöckach"

Costs:

• No fees for applications.

Required Documents:

• Passport or ID card.
• Birth certificate of the child.
• Proof of residence (Meldebescheinigung).
• Tax ID of the applicant and the child.

Procedure:

1. Submit the application form (available online or at the office).
2. Provide the required documents in person or by mail.
3. Wait for approval, which can take several weeks.

Local Considerations:

• Kindergeld is available to all residents with children, regardless of nationality, as long as they meet residency requirements.
• Applications can be submitted online or in person.

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2. Local Service-Related Government Offices in Stuttgart

a. Bürgerbüro (Citizen’s Office)

The Bürgerbüro is your go-to office for most local administrative tasks, such as registering your address, applying for a residence permit, or obtaining a driver’s license.

Key Services Offered:

• Address registration (Anmeldung) and deregistration (Abmeldung).
• Issuing residence permits (Aufenthaltstitel).
• Applying for German ID cards (Personalausweis) or passports.
• Registering vehicles and obtaining driver’s licenses.

Locations in Stuttgart: There are several Bürgerbüro locations across Stuttgart. The main one is:

• Bürgerbüro Mitte
  Address: Eberhardstraße 39, 70173 Stuttgart
  Phone: +49 711 2160
  Public Transport: U-Bahn stop "Rathaus"

Costs:

• Address registration: Free.
• Residence permit: €100–€110 (depending on the type and duration).
• Passport: €60–€80 (depending on age and validity).

Required Documents:

• For address registration: Passport, rental agreement, and landlord confirmation form (Wohnungsgeberbestätigung).
• For residence permits: Passport, biometric photo, proof of health insurance, proof of income, and completed application form.
• For passports: Current passport, biometric photo, and proof of residence.

Procedure:

1. Book an appointment online or by phone (walk-ins are rare and may involve long waiting times).
2. Bring all required documents to your appointment.
3. Pay any applicable fees on-site (cash or card).

Local Considerations:

• Address registration is mandatory within 14 days of moving to a new residence.
• Appointments can fill up quickly, so book early.
• Staff may not speak fluent English, so bring a German-speaking friend or translator if needed.

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b. Ausländerbehörde (Foreigners’ Office)

The Ausländerbehörde handles immigration-related matters, such as residence permits, work permits, and visa extensions.

Key Services Offered:

• Issuing residence permits (temporary and permanent).
• Processing work permits for non-EU citizens.
• Extending visas.

Location:

• Address: Jägerstraße 14, 70174 Stuttgart
• Phone: +49 711 21691800
• Public Transport: U-Bahn stop "Berliner Platz"

Costs:

• Residence permit: €100–€110.
• Permanent residence permit: €135.

Required Documents:

• Passport.
• Biometric photo.
• Proof of health insurance.
• Proof of income or employment contract.
• Proof of accommodation (rental agreement).
• Completed application form.

Procedure:

1. Book an appointment online or by phone.
2. Submit your application and documents in person.
3. Pay the fee and wait for processing (can take several weeks).

Local Considerations:

• Appointments are mandatory and can be booked online.
• Processing times vary, so apply well in advance of your visa expiration.
• Bring a German-speaking friend or translator if you’re not fluent in German.

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General Tips for Navigating Government Offices in Stuttgart

1. Language Barrier: Most government staff primarily speak German. If you’re not fluent, consider bringing a translator or using translation apps.
2. Appointments: Always book appointments in advance, as walk-ins are rarely accepted.
3. Punctuality: Germans value punctuality. Arrive at least 10 minutes before your appointment.
4. Payment Methods: Most offices accept cash and card payments for fees.
5. Document Copies: Bring both originals and copies of all required documents.
6. Public Transport: Stuttgart’s public transport system (VVS) is efficient. Use it to reach government offices easily.

By following this guide, you’ll be well-prepared to navigate Stuttgart’s government offices for finance and local services. Let me know if you need further assistance!