The KSK authentication code (Authentifizierungscode) and the three ways to file

Page last checked: 2026-09-28

What the code in the Künstlersozialkasse's September letter is, why it works only once, and which two routes exist without it — as the Künstlersozialkasse and the Bundesportal describe it.

What the code is

In September the Künstlersozialkasse sends the Meldebogen for the following year. The code is in the same letter: „Der Code für die Authentifizierung wird Ihnen im September … gemeinsam mit dem Meldebogen von der Künstlersozialkasse per Post zugeschickt.“ Together with the insurance number, it opens the online report on the KSK's website.

What is reported with it is a single figure, the expected annual work income (voraussichtliches Jahresarbeitseinkommen) for the following year. Which figure that is and how the Meldebogen is laid out overall is covered in the guide Filling in the KSK Meldebogen. This page only covers access.

Once a year, usable once

„Der Authentifizierungscode wird jedes Jahr neu erstellt und kann nur einmal verwendet werden.“ — the code is created anew every year and can only be used once.
„Die Online-Meldung kann nur einmal pro Jahr genutzt werden.“ — the online report can only be used once a year. After it has been sent successfully, it is locked, according to the KSK.
„Der Code wird von uns nicht gespeichert. Daher ist es nicht möglich, Ihnen den Code erneut mitzuteilen.“ — the KSK does not store the code and so cannot send it again.
After sending, an automated email arrives as confirmation.

Input: insurance number and amount

The insurance number is entered without spaces.
The expected annual work income is entered without decimals and without spaces, in the KSK's example: 20000.

The three ways to file

Online with the insurance number and the authentication code on the Künstlersozialkasse's website.
Online via the Bundesportal (verwaltung.bund.de) with an ELSTER certificate or online ID (eID, BundID).
On the KSK's paper form (Vordruck), filled in and signed. The Bundesportal says: „Unterschreiben Sie das Formular.“ (sign the form). For this route there is no confirmation of receipt, according to the Bundesportal.

All three routes run on something personal: the code from your own letter, your own ELSTER certificate or ID, or your own signature. That is why no software can file the report on a member's behalf — Künstlerfinanzen never transmits anything to the Künstlersozialkasse.

When the code is missing

The Künstlersozialkasse does not resend a code, because it does not store it. For members without the letter, it points to its paper form, filled in and signed by 1 December. The Bundesportal also names filing with an ELSTER certificate or online ID. Which route fits your case is your decision; questions about it are answered by the Künstlersozialkasse.

The report is required even when nothing has changed — the KSK calls it „unbedingt erforderlich“ (absolutely necessary). More on the date under KSK income estimate: the deadline is 1 December.

Frequently asked questions

When does the KSK authentication code arrive?

According to the Künstlersozialkasse, in September, by post and together with the Meldebogen. The code is created anew every year and can only be used once.

Lost the KSK code – will the KSK send it again?

No. According to the Künstlersozialkasse, the code is not stored, so it cannot be sent again. The Künstlersozialkasse and the Bundesportal name two routes without this code: the Bundesportal with an ELSTER certificate or online ID, and the signed paper form (Vordruck).

Can I file the KSK report online twice?

No. „Die Online-Meldung kann nur einmal pro Jahr genutzt werden“ — the online report can only be used once a year; after it has been sent successfully it is locked, according to the Künstlersozialkasse. An automated email serves as confirmation.

Can someone else file the KSK annual report for me?

All three routes run on personal credentials: the code from your letter, your own ELSTER certificate or online ID, or your own signature. Software therefore cannot file the report, and Künstlerfinanzen does not.

Sources

By the Künstlerfinanzen editorial team. Page last checked: 2026-09-28. The information comes from:

This text reproduces the information published by the Künstlersozialkasse. It is not legal advice and not tax advice. What applies in your case is answered by the Künstlersozialkasse or an adviser of your choice.