Best Accounting Software in Germany in 2025
Accounting Software comparison
Bookkeeping/accounting software helps businesses in Germany manage income, expenses, and tax records in line with local regulations. Whether you’re a freelancer or run a small business, having the right accounting tool can make daily bookkeeping much easier.
We’ve compared the most popular accounting solutions based on various parameters. You can shortlist the parameters vital for you and choose the bookkeeping software that fits your business needs the best.
Tips for using the table
- You can compare two or more accounting software using the “Column Visibility” dropdown.
- You can also shortlist parameters vital for you in the “Parameter” dropdown and compare different accounting software.
| Parameters | Sevdesk | Lexware Office | Accountable | WISO MeinBüro |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Logo |  |  |  |  |
| Plan | Buchhaltung | XL | Pro | Rechnungen M |
| Price per month (if you opt for an annual subscription) | 19.90€ ❌ (No free plan) | 29.90€ ❌ (No free plan) | 22.50€ ✅ (Offers a free plan) | 36.00€ ❌ (No free plan) |
| Number of users | 1 | Unlimited | Unlimited | 2 |
| Language | 🇩🇪 🇺🇸 | 🇩🇪 | 🇩🇪 🇺🇸 | 🇩🇪 |
| To the provider | Go to provider* | Go to provider* | Go to provider* | Go to provider |
| RATING | ||||
| Trustpilot | 3.9 (2,912 reviews) | 3.5 (1,228 reviews) | 4.8 (762 reviews) | 3.6 (198 reviews) |
| Capterra | 3.8 (34 reviews) | 4.4 (24 reviews) | 4.8 (28 reviews) | 4.0 (1 review) |
| INVOICING | ||||
| Invoice Creation (Create invoices, recurring invoices (e.g., subscriptions), partial payment invoices, advance payment invoices and progress invoices, credit notes, cancellation/correction invoices) | ✅ | ✅ | Create invoices ✅ Recurring invoices ✅ Partial payment invoices ❌ Advance payment invoices and progress invoices ❌ Credit notes ❌ Cancellation/correction invoices ✅ | ✅ |
| Offer and Delivery Documents (Create offers, order confirmations, delivery notes) | ✅ | ✅ | Create offers ✅ Order confirmations ❌ Delivery notes ❌ | ✅ |
| Advanced Invoice Features (Invoices with payment links, custom invoice template, usable standard template, easily editable standard template, branding-free invoice design) | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ Custom invoice template is only offered partly | ✅ |
| Self-generated receipts | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| E-invoice | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Foreign currency invoices | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Dunning process (Dunning system, multiple dunning levels) | ✅ Unlimited dunning levels | ✅ Unlimited dunning levels | ✅ Unlimited dunning levels | ✅ 4 dunning levels |
| One Stop Shop (OSS) Procedure Module | ❌ | Add-on | ✅ | ❌ |
| BOOKKEEPING | ||||
| Assign Bookkeeping Role (Preparer, Pre-Accounting Assistant , Self-Bookkeeper) | Preparer ✅ Pre-Accounting Assistant ✅ Self-Bookkeeper ✅ | Preparer ✅ Pre-Accounting Assistant ✅ Self-Bookkeeper ❌ | Preparer ✅ Pre-Accounting Assistant ✅ Self-Bookkeeper ✅ | Preparer ✅ Pre-categorizer ✅ Self-Bookkeeper ❌ |
| Business bank account integration | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Accounting Types | Simple accounting ✅ Double-entry bookkeeping ✅ | Simple accounting ✅ Double-entry bookkeeping ✅ | Simple accounting ✅ Double-entry bookkeeping ❌ | Simple accounting ✅ Double-entry bookkeeping ❌ |
| Cash book | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
| E-balance sheet | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Financial Reporting | BWA ✅ GuV ✅ EÜR ✅ | BWA ✅ GuV ✅ EÜR ✅ | BWA ✅ GuV ❌ EÜR ✅ | BWA ✅ GuV ❌ EÜR ✅ |
| Document and Receipt Management (Digital receipt capture & booking, drag-and-drop digital receipt booking & detection, automatic receipt assignment with bank account booking, post electronic invoices) | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Payroll Accounting (Payroll accounting, interface to payroll data) | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Tax and Banking Functions (VAT return with ELSTER, online banking payments, support for multiple business bank accounts) | ✅ | ✅ | VAT return with ELSTER ✅ Online banking payments ❌ (Under development) Support for multiple business bank accounts ✅ | ✅ |
| Cost centers | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Fixed Asset Accounting | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Different Fiscal Year | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| BOOKKEEPING PROFIT DETERMINATION | ||||
| Data preparation for tax purposes | EÜR ✅ Balance sheet/GuV ✅ | EÜR ✅ Balance sheet/GuV ✅ | EÜR ✅ Balance sheet/GuV ❌ | EÜR ✅ Balance sheet/GuV ❌ |
| Elster interface for EÜR ELSTER is Germany’s official online tax portal. This function allows users to send their EÜR (income-expense statement) directly to the tax office through an automated interface, simplifying tax returns. | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| ADDITIONAL BOOKKEEPING MODULES | ||||
| E-Commerce and Payment Integrations | Amazon ✅ Online shop ✅ Payment service providers ✅ | Amazon ❌ Online shop ✅ Payment service providers ✅ | Amazon ❌ Online shop ❌ Payment service providers ✅ | Amazon ❌ Online shop ✅ Payment service providers ✅ |
| Retail and Inventory Management | Inventory management ✅ POS terminal ❌ | Inventory management ✅ POS terminal ✅ | Inventory management ❌ POS terminal ❌ | Inventory management ✅ POS terminal ✅ |
| Time tracking | ✅ | Add-on | ❌ | ✅ |
| No. of additional modules | 8 | >100 | None | 12 |
| INTERFACES | ||||
| Tax & Accounting (DATEV export, DATEV interface, ELSTER interface) | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Tax Advisors | Tax Advisor Network ✅ Tax Advisor Access ✅ | Tax Advisor Network ✅ Tax Advisor Access ✅ | Tax Advisor Network ✅ Tax Advisor Access ✅ | Tax Advisor Network ❌ Tax Advisor Access ✅ |
| Data Exchange (Data import/export via CSV, API) | Data import/export via CSV ✅ API ✅ | Data import/export via CSV ✅ API ✅ | Data import/export via CSV ✅ API ❌ | Data import/export via CSV ✅ API ✅ |
| SUPPORT & CERTIFICATIONS | ||||
| Customer Support | Chatbot, Customer representative | Chatbot, Customer representative | Chatbot, Customer representative | Customer representative |
| Learning Resources (Manual, Videos, FAQs) | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Certification | GOBD certification ✅ SSL encryption ✅ | GOBD certification ✅ SSL encryption ✅ | GOBD certification ✅ SSL encryption ✅ | GOBD certification ❌ SSL encryption ✅ |
Last updated on 2 July 2025
When selecting bookkeeping software, consider your business’s legal form. Freelancers, small business owners, and companies in Germany all face different accounting requirements.
Best accounting software for small businesses in Germany
The main requirements of small business owners (Kleingewerbe) are
- Writing an invoice without VAT
- The possibility of receiving e-invoices. As a small business owner, you are legally required to be able to receive e-invoices. It’s fine if you can’t issue e-invoices.
- Low monthly costs
- Easy to use, as most new founders don’t know much about accounting.
- Suppose you are running an e-commerce business or a physical shop. In this case, support of operational processes, like interfaces to POS systems, online shops, or Amazon, is vital.
- Ability to generate EÜR on your own without support from a tax advisor.
The most recommended accounting software for small businesses is
- Sevdesk Buchhaltung* (English / German)
- Accountable* (English / German): You can start with Accountable’s free plan. It offers all the key features in its free plan. You can upgrade your plan if you wish to file advance VAT returns or tax returns via Accountable.
- Lexware Office XL* (German only)
- WISO MeinBÜRO (German only)
Best accounting software for freelancers in Germany
The main requirements of freelancers (Freiberufler) are
- Easy to use, as most new founders don’t know much about accounting.
- Support for EÜR as a profit determination method
- Support for operational processes, e.g., interfaces to time recording and project tools
- Simple and fast invoicing. Ability to create invoice templates.
The most recommended accounting software for freelancers is
- Sevdesk Buchhaltung* (English / German)
- Accountable* (English / German): Accountable’s free accounting plan is sufficient for most freelancers.
- Lexware Office XL*
Best accounting software for GmbHs and UGs in Germany
The main requirements of corporations are
- Preparation of booking data for the balance sheet and profit and loss statement.
- Option to add multiple users, such as an accountant, a tax advisor, a team member, etc.
- You should be able to create and export reports, such as BWA (proof of income), KPI dashboard (to view the company’s performance), etc.
- Depending on whether you are an online or physical shop or both, your bookkeeping software must have interfaces to cash register, inventory management system, project management, etc. This saves you a lot of time in syncing different systems.
The most recommended bookkeeping software for corporations is
- Sevdesk Buchhaltung* (English / German)
- Lexware Office XL* (German only)
Best bookkeeping software for other groups
Sevdesk and Lexware Office are the best accounting software, catering to all types of founders. You can also use them if you belong to one of the following professional groups.
- Dcotors
- Restaurant owners
- Ecommerce
- Crafts
- Real estate agents
- Clubs
- Agencies
In short, regardless of your business, Sevdesk and Lexware Office offer all the features you will need to run your company.
What are the benefits of using accounting software in Germany?
Using bookkeeping software (Buchhaltungssoftware) helps founders simplify and streamline business finances. Here are some key advantages:
- Saves time: Automates business operations like invoicing, expense tracking, and tax calculations.
- Reduces errors: Built-in checks help prevent miscalculations and missing transactions.
- Keeps you compliant: The Accounting program follows German accounting rules (i.e., GoBD). Thus, ensuring you meet German legal requirements.
- Tax return: Easily generate reports for advance VAT returns (Umsatzsteuer-Voranmeldung), income surplus calculation (EÜR), BWA, Balance sheet, etc. You need these documents to file your tax return.
- Provides real-time overview: Accounting tools offer dashboards for viewing cash flow, income, and expenses in real time.
- Cloud-based access: Modern accounting software offers cloud solutions. This means there is no need to install any software on your computer. You can access the tool from anywhere. The best accounting software in Germany also offers mobile apps. Thus, making it easier to keep track of receipts and invoices when on the go.
- Offers integrations: Connect your bank account, PayPal, or online shop to streamline your bookkeeping. You can even connect your accounting tool to Zapier or Make. This opens up endless possibilities for automating your business operations.
- Enables collaboration: You can share access with your tax advisor or team. This improves your efficiency and reduces back-and-forth.
- Prepares you for audits: The bookkeeping software stores your documents until the legally required retention period. It also categorizes your income and expenses, ensuring you are always ready for a tax audit.
What should you consider when choosing accounting software in Germany?
- Price: Consider the monthly cost of accounting software. Many founders don’t need advanced bookkeeping features. Thus, you should evaluate your desired features and pick the most cost-effective solution.
- GoBD Compliance: Ensure the accounting and invoicing software follows German tax office rules (GoBD). GoBD governs how businesses in Germany must do digital accounting. Suppose your accounting software is not GoBD compliant. In this case, you may face issues with the tax office in the future.
- English Language Support: If your German isn’t fluent, your accounting software options are limited. Only Accountable offers an English interface. Thus, we recommend that you learn a few German terms of bookkeeping. This will open up more bookkeeping tool options and help you when filing a tax return or talking to a tax advisor.
- Tax Features for Germany: Look for accounting software that supports VAT (Umsatzsteuer), advance VAT returns (Umsatzsteuer-Voranmeldung), EÜR (income surplus statement), etc.
- Legal form: Pick the accounting software that supports your company’s legal form—freelancer (Freiberufler), sole trader (Einzelunternehmer), or GmbH.
- Integration with German Banks: Linking your business bank account with the accounting software automates 75% of your daily bookkeeping. Before buying a subscription, opt for a free trial and ensure the accounting software supports connection with your business bank account. Some bookkeeping software doesn’t connect with certain banks. For example, at the time of writing this guide, Lexware Office didn’t offer bank connection with a Finom business bank account.
- Customer Support: As a new founder, you’ll have questions about taxes, VAT, how to use accounting software, and more. Thus, reliable and responsive support (preferably in English) is a must. All our recommendations offer excellent support and guides.
- Cloud vs. Desktop: Cloud-based tools offer more flexibility, especially if you’re often on the move.
- User-friendliness: As a new founder, you want to focus on your customers and product. Thus, it’s critical that the accounting software is easy to use and doesn’t take months to learn. The best accounting tools guide you from onboarding to everyday tasks with an intuitive user interface.
- Mobile app: Nowadays, most businesses work digitally. However, if you have paper invoices or receipts, having a mobile app to scan and store them saves hours at the end of the month. The same goes for sending offers to your potential clients on the go. The difference between sending the offer now and one day later can be a deciding factor in landing the deal.
- Features: Ensure your bookkeeping software includes the features relevant to your business. Some key features are e-invoices, cash book, inventory management, BWA report, etc.
- Extensions and interfaces: Good accounting software offers interfaces to connect with tools such as DATEV, ELSTER, Zapier, Make, etc. This helps you automate business operations and tax filing.
Is it better to use accounting software or hire a tax advisor?
Using accounting software is an excellent option for simplifying everyday bookkeeping tasks. However, working with a tax advisor (Steuerberater) is beneficial as your business grows or your finances become more complex.
Here are some criteria to decide what is best for you.
Use accounting software if:
- You’re a freelancer or small business owner with relatively simple finances.
- You’re comfortable managing your own bookkeeping and invoices.
- You want to save money — software is usually cheaper than a tax advisor.
- You want more control and real-time insight into your income, expenses, and taxes.
- You prefer to automate routine tasks like VAT returns and income calculations.
Hire a tax advisor if:
- Your financial situation is complex (e.g. GmbH, employees, international clients).
- You’re not confident in handling German tax laws and forms.
- You want someone to represent you with the tax office (Finanzamt).
- You need advice on optimizing taxes, deductions, or long-term planning.
- You’re dealing with late filings, audits, or legal questions.
Use both accounting software and a tax advisor
Some business owners use accounting software for day-to-day bookkeeping. They hand everything over to a tax advisor at year-end for VAT return and tax return. This way, you stay organized, save time, and get expert help.
How does a collaboration between an accounting software and a tax advisor work?
Every accounting software offers ways to transfer all the reports to the tax advisor. Here are some of the most common ways for your tax advisor to access your accounting tool.
- Access for your tax advisor: Many programs allow you to invite your tax advisor directly so they can view, export, or even work with your financial data in real time.
- DATEV interface: This is the standard format used by most German tax advisors. With a built-in DATEV export, you can seamlessly send all necessary documents to your tax advisor.
- Export options: Invoices, receipts, and booking records can usually be exported in commonly accepted formats (PDF, CSV, or DATEV) and transferred securely via email or cloud services.
- Automatic document transfer: Some tools directly integrate your tax advisor’s system, making document transfer automatic.
This streamlines monthly and annual reporting, minimizes communication gaps, and helps ensure you stay tax-compliant, without unnecessary paperwork.