Yes! You can use AI to fill out Selbstauskunft zur steuerlichen Ansässigkeit (Natürliche Person) / Self-declaration of Tax Residency (Natural Person)

Applicants often confuse tax residency with citizenship or physical presence, leading them to select the wrong checkbox (e.g., 'exclusively in Germany' when they have tax obligations elsewhere). Tax residency is a legal status determined by specific criteria in each country, such as the location of one's permanent home or center of vital interests. This mistake can lead to incorrect reporting to tax authorities, potential fines for the applicant, and significant delays in account opening. To avoid this, carefully evaluate your ties to all countries where you have lived or earned income, and consult a tax advisor if unsure.

The 11-digit German Tax Identification Number (IdNr.) is frequently left blank, or an incorrect number like the old 'Steuernummer' is entered. The form explicitly states this number is mandatory for account holders. Failure to provide the correct IdNr. forces the bank to request it from the Federal Central Tax Office (BZSt), which delays the application process and can lead to the account being temporarily frozen. Always locate your IdNr. on official documents like a tax assessment notice ('Steuerbescheid') and double-check it for accuracy before entering.

A very common error is checking the box for tax residency outside of Germany but then failing to provide the corresponding Tax Identification Number (TIN) for each country listed. The form is considered incomplete without this information. This will prevent the bank from opening the account or may result in the freezing of an existing account until a valid self-certification is provided. To prevent this, research the correct TIN for each country of tax residency before filling out the form. AI-powered tools like Instafill.ai can help by validating the format of TINs for many countries.

Applicants with ties to the United States, such as being born there or holding a Green Card, sometimes incorrectly answer 'no' to the FATCA questions. They may not realize that under US law, they are considered a 'US Person' for tax purposes, even if they live abroad and are citizens of another country. This is a serious error that can lead to non-compliance with FATCA, resulting in significant penalties. It's crucial to answer these questions accurately and, if applicable, provide the required IRS W-9 or W-8 form.

When a foreign TIN is not provided, the form requires a reason (A, B, or C). Applicants often select a reason incorrectly, for example, choosing 'Reason C' (TIN not required) for a country that does, in fact, issue TINs. Using 'Reason B' (unable to obtain TIN) without providing the mandatory written explanation is also a frequent mistake. This leads to the form being rejected and requires clarification, delaying the entire process. These reasons should only be used after verifying the specific rules of the relevant tax authority.

People sometimes enter a nickname, an abbreviated first name, or omit a middle name that is part of their legal name. The name on this form must exactly match the name on the official identification (e.g., passport, national ID card) that will be used for verification. Any discrepancy can cause the application to fail the bank's Know Your Customer (KYC) checks, leading to rejection and the need to resubmit the form. Always copy your full, legal name directly from your ID.

Applicants may not understand the distinction between the 'Meldeadresse' (official registered address) and the 'Postanschrift' (mailing address). They might enter their current mailing address in the 'Meldeadresse' field or forget to fill out the 'Postanschrift' section when it differs from their registered address. This can cause official correspondence and sensitive documents to be sent to the wrong location. The 'Meldeadresse' must be the address registered with the local authorities ('Einwohnermeldeamt').

An unsigned or undated form is legally invalid. This simple but critical oversight is one of the most common reasons for a form to be immediately rejected. Applicants often focus on the complex details and forget to complete the signature block on the final page. This mistake requires the entire form to be sent back and resubmitted, causing significant and unnecessary delays in account opening or updates. Always perform a final check for the signature, date, and place of signature before submission.

The form contains several conditional requirements that are easily missed. For example, if you indicate US tax residency, you must also provide a W-9 form. If you are tax resident in certain 'CBI/RBI' countries (like Malta or the UAE) but not born there, you must submit an additional form. People often overlook these notes, leading to an incomplete application package. This results in follow-up requests from the bank and stalls the process. Reading all fine print and notes is essential to avoid this. Since this form is a non-fillable PDF, a tool like Instafill.ai can convert it into an interactive, fillable version that can guide users through these conditional steps.