Digital identity verification via online banking: it's that easy with finAPI GiroIdent
Digitization makes many processes easier– including tax returns. Anyone who prepares their tax return in Germany using a tax program such as WISO Steuer can submit it conveniently online via ELSTER. However, this requires one-time identification.
But does it have to be complicated? No! With finAPI GiroIdent, identification takes just seconds – securely, easily and quickly via online banking.
Why is an identity verification necessary for WISO Steuer?
To submit a tax return in Germany online via ELSTER, a digital signature is normally required. The German tax office issues an ELSTER certificate for this – but this process can take several days, as an activation code is sent by post. In addition, the certificate is only valid for a limited period and must be renewed regularly.
This is much easier with WISO Steuer from Buhl: Buhl takes over the ELSTER transmission with its own certificate. To make this possible, users must identify themselves at Buhl once. This permanently activates tax transmission for the coming years.
How online identification via the bank account works
Digital identification via a bank account simplifies the process by eliminating document uploads or PostIdent. Identity verification is done securely through online banking within seconds.
- A one-time login to online banking via a secure finAPI page
- Automatic matching of account holder data with the information in WISO Steuer
- Identity successfully verified – the tax return can be submitted electronically immediately!
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finAPI GiroIdent for your Software Solution
Digital identification via online banking is not only a practical solution for tax software like WISO Steuer, but it can also be used in many other areas, such as:
- Identity verification for customer portals – e.g., for insurance providers and other financial services.
- Age verification for youth protection compliance – required for online gambling, lotteries, or age-restricted e-commerce purchases.
- Fraud prevention – preventing identity misuse in online transactions.
- KYC verification (Know Your Customer) in accordance with § 14 or § 12 para. 1 sentence 3 of the German Money Laundering Act.
finAPI GiroIdent provides you with various KYC solutions – from simple name verification and age verification to full MLA verification. Depending on your use case and security requirements, you can choose between GiroIdent Basic, Plus, Youth Protection or GwG (AMLA).
Additionally, identity verification can be combined with a payment (Identity Check & Payment) or a credit check to enhance both security and convenience.
Try out GiroIdent in our demo or contact us for a personal consultation.
Contact us
finAPI GmbH
Adams-Lehmann-Str. 44
80797 München
BaFin
Officially licensed and supervised by the German Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin).
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