sevdesk is accounting software built for the German market. It brings invoicing, receipt management, online banking and tax preparation into one system, with the stated goal of keeping bookkeeping simple and legally compliant for the people who run the business.
The site lists versions for Germany and Austria and notes that plan features vary by country. It speaks to freelancers, newly founded companies and established businesses that want to track finances through the year and meet their tax obligations.
How does sevdesk work?
Users create quotes and invoices, then scan or upload receipts. Receipts can be captured with the mobile app, dragged into the browser or sent to a sevdesk inbox. The software extracts the data and suggests a booking category for each document.
A connected online banking account lets users match invoices to bank payments and see where receipts are missing. Income and expenses then feed the dashboard, the EÜR and the advance VAT return, which can be sent to the tax office through ELSTER.
Key features of sevdesk
On the invoicing side, sevdesk offers customizable layouts, logos, templates and text blocks, GoBD-compliant quotes, progress and final invoices, and payment reminders. The Free plan supports the ZUGFeRD and XRechnung e-invoicing standards for up to 3 invoices per month.
The Accounting plan adds single-entry and double-entry bookkeeping, the EÜR, a profit and loss statement, depreciation, cash book accounting, delivery notes, order confirmations, dunning levels and a trial balance that is labeled Beta. Receipt capture is described as AI-powered.
Key Features
Professional invoices and quotes — Create quotes and invoices with custom layout, logo, templates and text blocks. Mandatory details are included and the documents comply with German GoBD.
E-invoicing — The Free plan supports the ZUGFeRD and XRechnung e-invoicing standards, with up to 3 invoices or e-invoices per month.
Payment reminders and dunning — Track outstanding invoices, send payment reminders, and on the Accounting plan manage dunning levels and send notices from sevdesk.
AI-powered receipt capture — Scan receipts with the mobile app, drag and drop them, or send them to the sevdesk inbox. Receipts are matched to transactions and a booking category is suggested.
Single-entry and double-entry bookkeeping — Supports the cash-basis income statement (EÜR) as well as double-entry bookkeeping with a chart of accounts, plus a profit and loss statement.
Depreciation and cash book — Assets are recognized from expense receipts and depreciated automatically. Cash payments are recorded in a cash book with a cash report.
Online banking connection — Connect a business account to match payments to invoices, see missing receipts and pay invoices from sevdesk. More than 4,000 banks and digital banks are supported.
Advance VAT return via ELSTER — Prepare the advance VAT return and submit it directly to the tax office through the integrated ELSTER interface, without an additional certificate.
Tax adviser access — Invite a tax adviser into the account or send data through the DATEV / ADDISON interface, so receipts and reports are shared securely.
Dashboard and trial balance — The dashboard shows income, expenses and VAT liability. The trial balance gives a detailed view of accounts and journal entries for review with a tax adviser.
Pros & Cons
Pros
Free plan allows up to 3 e-invoices per month in ZUGFeRD and XRechnung formats, with no credit card required.
Direct ELSTER interface submits advance VAT returns without an additional certificate.
Supports both single-entry (EÜR) and double-entry bookkeeping on the Accounting plan.
Bank connections cover more than 4,000 banks and digital banks, with payment-to-invoice matching.
DATEV / ADDISON interface and direct account access make collaboration with tax advisers easier.
Personal support via live chat, email and phone is included on paid plans.
Cons
Built around German accounting rules, so it fits businesses outside Germany and Austria less well.
The Free plan caps invoices at 3 per month, and bookkeeping features require the €25.90 Accounting plan.
Marketplace integrations may carry separate partner fees not included in the plan price.
Plan features vary by country, and the trial balance is still labeled Beta.
Pricing
Free €0.00 Free forever
Invoicing €12.90 per month (excluding VAT), billed monthly
Accounting €25.90 per month (excluding VAT), billed monthly
Frequently Asked Questions
What is sevdesk?
sevdesk is accounting software for the German market. It combines invoicing, receipt management, online banking, bookkeeping and advance VAT returns for freelancers, start-ups and established businesses.
How much does sevdesk cost?
The Free plan costs €0.00. The Invoicing plan is €12.90 per month and the Accounting plan is €25.90 per month, both excluding VAT and billed monthly. Discounts are shown for 12-month (25%) and 24-month (50%) commitments.
Does sevdesk have a free trial or free plan?
Yes, both. There is a 14-day free trial with no credit card required, and a Free plan that allows up to 3 invoices or e-invoices per month at no cost.
Can sevdesk file VAT returns?
Yes. The Accounting plan lets users prepare the advance VAT return and submit it directly to the tax office through the integrated ELSTER interface. No additional certificate is needed.
Does sevdesk support e-invoicing?
Yes. The Free plan includes the ZUGFeRD and XRechnung e-invoicing standards, and the paid plans allow unlimited invoices and e-invoices.
What does sevdesk integrate with?
It connects to ELSTER, a DATEV / ADDISON interface, more than 4,000 banks and digital banks, and a range of marketplace partner integrations. Partner fees may apply for marketplace integrations.
Can I work with my tax adviser in sevdesk?
Yes. You can invite your tax adviser to collaborate in your account or send data and files through the interface. The DATEV / ADDISON interface is included in the Invoicing plan.
Who is sevdesk best for?
It suits freelancers, start-ups and established small businesses in Germany or Austria that want invoicing, receipt capture and tax-ready bookkeeping in one place.