DATEV Interface 2026: Software and Tools Compared

#TL;DR

• DATEV interface as a standard: The DATEV interface enables standardized exchange of accounting data. Since 2017/2018, DATEV exclusively recommends its standardized interface; it exports data in the EXTF format as CSV files.
• EXTF files in detail: The DATEV export package consists of three CSV files: account labels for the chart of accounts, debtor/creditor master data and the posting batch with all postings.
• Who benefits? Tax advisors, SMBs and freelancers save significant time through a DATEV export. The DATEV file is the most widely used format for accounting and tax purposes in Germany.
• Tool comparison: There are complex all-in-one solutions such as DATEV Unternehmen Online or Candis (from approx. 389 EUR/month) and flexible accounting suites like sevDesk (from approx. 9 EUR/month). Lightweight solutions like NameQuick Invoices Web focus on invoice intake and DATEV export.
• NameQuick Invoices Web as an alternative: The web-based solution collects invoices via email forwarding or upload, reads ZUGFeRD/XRechnung XML (99.9% accuracy) or uses OCR, and exports data in the DATEV EXTF format. DATEV export is available from 19 EUR/month.

Many business owners know the scenario: on Monday morning, emails with PDF invoices pile up alongside scanned paper receipts. Every invoice must be manually captured, assigned accounts and sent to the tax advisor. This manual process costs time and leads to errors.

With Germany's e-invoicing mandate, businesses have been required to receive e-invoices in ZUGFeRD or XRechnung format since 1 January 2025. E-invoices deliver structured XML data, enabling nearly error-free capture. A DATEV interface automates the export of this invoice data into the tax advisor's system. It enables the transfer of postings, accounts and master data, making preparatory accounting significantly more efficient.

This guide explains what a DATEV interface is, which software supports the export and what to look for when choosing a solution.

#What Is a DATEV Interface?

The DATEV interface is a technical format that transfers posting and master data from a source system into the DATEV accounting system. DATEV has used these export formats since the late 1990s. Since 2017/2018, DATEV exclusively recommends the standardized export.

#DATEV Standard Formats (EXTF, CSV)

EXTF (Export Transfer File): The EXTF files provided by DATEV are CSV files with fixed, predefined fields. The DATEV export contains three components:

• Account labels: Contains the chart of accounts (SKR 03 or SKR 04).
• Debtor/creditor master data: Contains customer and supplier master data.
• Posting batch: Contains all posting records (up to 99,999 postings per file).

CSV export: In addition to the EXTF format, data can be exported as an ASCII file in .csv or .txt format. This format is supported by many accounting programs such as Lexware or sevDesk.

The tax advisor imports the EXTF files into their accounting system. The import reduces errors and saves time. Without this structure, the tax advisor would have to enter the data manually.

#Why the EXTF Format Matters

The EXTF format is the standard that most German tax advisors expect. It transfers accounts, master data and postings in a structure that DATEV can process directly. The files are considered GoBD-compliant because they can be archived and exported in an immutable form. For small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) and freelancers in particular, the export significantly simplifies the handover to the tax advisor.

#Who Needs a DATEV Interface?

#Tax Advisors and Accounting Firms

Tax advisors work with DATEV programs on a daily basis. They need structured data sets to transfer postings correctly into the financial accounting system. The DATEV interface enables the import of accounts, debtors/creditors and postings. This allows the tax advisor to prepare journal entries, VAT returns and annual financial statements more quickly.

#SMBs and Freelancers

Small and medium-sized businesses and freelancers frequently use cloud-based accounting solutions. Many of these tools offer a DATEV export so that receipts and postings can be handed over directly to the tax advisor. For self-employed professionals who only handle preparatory bookkeeping, the DATEV export is the simplest way to provide the tax advisor with all the necessary data.

With the e-invoice reception obligation from 2025, businesses increasingly receive ZUGFeRD or XRechnung data. These structured invoices can be read nearly error-free. A DATEV interface ensures that the extracted data is exported and imported directly as EXTF. For more on the topic of e-invoice intake, see our guide to invoice intake software.

#Comparison: Software with a DATEV Interface

The market offers various tools that capture invoices, post them and export them via a DATEV interface. The following table compares the most important solutions.

#Analysis of the Comparison

Comprehensive solutions like DATEV Unternehmen Online or Candis target larger businesses. They offer deep workflows but are expensive and complex.

Accounting programs like sevDesk, Lexware or BuchhaltungsButler combine invoice intake, posting, reporting and, in some cases, tax returns. They offer DATEV export and often bank reconciliation as well. For more on the differences between these solutions, see our comparison of digital invoice processing.

Invoice portals like GetMyInvoices automate the downloading of invoices from over 10,000 portals. A detailed comparison with NameQuick can be found in our article on GetMyInvoices alternatives.

Lightweight alternatives like NameQuick Invoices Web focus on preparatory accounting and DATEV export. This eliminates the complexity of a full accounting solution; instead, the emphasis is on fast, low-error export.

#How the DATEV Export Works with NameQuick Invoices Web

NameQuick Invoices Web is designed for businesses that want to simplify invoice intake and hand over data error-free to their tax advisor. The process can be broken down into four steps:

1. Consolidate invoice intake: Via a dedicated email address or upload, PDF invoices, ZUGFeRD/XRechnung files and scans arrive in a central inbox.

2. Data extraction: For e-invoices in ZUGFeRD or XRechnung format, the XML data is captured with 99.9% accuracy. For PDFs, text is extracted directly; for scanned documents, OCR is used. Confidence scores flag uncertain fields.

3. Review queue and duplicate detection: Documents with low confidence scores or potential duplicates are placed in a review queue. The reviewer checks the fields, corrects them if necessary and marks the document as verified.

4. DATEV export: After review, the system generates a DATEV EXTF package. Each document corresponds to a row in the posting batch. Master data such as supplier address, invoice date and net amount is included automatically. A CSV export for programs like Lexware or sevDesk is also available.

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#What to Look for When Choosing a Solution

Format and compatibility: Check whether the tool produces the DATEV EXTF format. EXTF is the standard that tax advisors expect. Many solutions also offer CSV exports.

Pricing: Prices range from 9 EUR/month (starter tiers at sevDesk or NameQuick Invoices Web) to over 389 EUR/month for enterprise solutions like Candis. Pay attention to what is included in each tier: document volume, number of users and workflows.

GoBD and DSGVO compliance: The tool must meet the legal requirements for proper bookkeeping. This includes immutable archiving, audit logging and data protection.

E-invoicing capability: From 2025, businesses must be able to receive e-invoices. A solution should recognize ZUGFeRD and XRechnung and process the data error-free.

Usability: An intuitive interface makes the transition easier. Complex solutions offer many features but have a steep learning curve.

Integrations: Check whether bank accounts or CRM systems can be connected. Portal crawlers like GetMyInvoices automatically download invoices from online shops. NameQuick Invoices Web deliberately forgoes portal crawling and focuses on invoice intake via email and upload.

#Conclusion

A DATEV interface significantly reduces the manual effort in accounting. The standardized EXTF format securely transfers accounts, master data and postings to the tax advisor and has been the German standard for years.

Businesses and freelancers can choose between comprehensive solutions and lean tools. Large platforms like Candis and DATEV Unternehmen Online offer deep workflows but are expensive. Traditional accounting software like sevDesk, Lexware or BuchhaltungsButler combines invoice management, posting and tax returns. Portal crawlers like GetMyInvoices automate document collection.

NameQuick Invoices Web positions itself as a lightweight alternative: it collects invoices via email or upload, automatically reads data from XML e-invoices and PDFs, and exports them in the DATEV EXTF format. For businesses that want to simplify their preparatory accounting without needing a full accounting solution, it is an efficient and affordable choice.

#Frequently Asked Questions

#What is a DATEV interface?

The DATEV interface is a standardized method for transferring accounting data from software into the DATEV accounting system. It exports accounts, debtor/creditor master data and postings in compressed formats so the tax advisor can import them directly.

#What does EXTF mean?

EXTF stands for Export Transfer File. The DATEV export consists of three CSV files: account labels for the chart of accounts, debtor/creditor master data and the posting batch with all posting records. Each row corresponds to one data record.

#Which software offers a DATEV export?

Many accounting programs support DATEV export: DATEV Unternehmen Online, Candis, sevDesk, Lexware, BuchhaltungsButler, GetMyInvoices and NameQuick Invoices Web. The providers differ in scope and price (from approx. 9 EUR/month to over 389 EUR/month).

#Can I import CSV files into DATEV?

Yes. In addition to the EXTF format, DATEV also accepts ASCII files in .csv or .txt format. However, the EXTF export is more structured and is preferred by tax advisors.

#Are there alternatives to DATEV Unternehmen Online?

Yes. Tools like Candis, sevDesk, Lexware, BuchhaltungsButler, GetMyInvoices or NameQuick Invoices Web export data in DATEV format and are often more affordable or user-friendly than DATEV Unternehmen Online.

#How does preparatory accounting work with DATEV?

Preparatory accounting involves collecting, capturing and preparing documents before they go to the tax advisor. Digital solutions import invoices via email or upload, extract data using OCR or XML and export them as a DATEV file. This saves your tax advisor from manual data entry.

#How much does a DATEV interface cost?

The cost depends on the tool you choose. CSV export is available from around 9 EUR/month (sevDesk Starter or NameQuick Starter). For EXTF export, prices range between 19 and 39 EUR/month. Enterprise solutions like Candis start at 389 EUR/month. DATEV Unternehmen Online is typically billed through the tax advisor.