Der große Buchhaltungssoftware-Vergleich 2024 (lexoffice, sevdesk, DATEV, accountable)

Summary

In this video, the presenter compares four popular bookkeeping tools for freelancers and small businesses: Lexware Office, sevDesk, Accountable, and DATEV Unternehmen Online. The video delves into each tool’s strengths, weaknesses, and suitability for different user needs—whether you're managing your own bookkeeping or working with a tax consultant. Lexware Office is praised for its simplicity, while sevDesk offers more flexibility, Accountable provides unique tax features, and DATEV excels in tax consultant integration. The video helps viewers choose the right tool based on functionality, ease of use, and budget.

Takeaways

• 😀 Lexware Office, Sefdesk, and Accountable are well-suited for self-employed individuals managing their bookkeeping independently.
• 😀 DF Unternehmen Online is primarily designed for collaboration with a tax advisor, and not for solo use by self-employed individuals.
• 😀 All four tools support tax advisor access with interfaces for easy data transfer, making it easier to collaborate with a tax advisor.
• 😀 Lexware Office is a closed system with fewer customization options, but it's easy to use and minimizes errors, ideal for those without complex bookkeeping needs.
• 😀 Sefdesk is more flexible than Lexware Office, allowing users to customize accounts and tax settings, but this can lead to more potential errors if not set up correctly.
• 😀 Accountable, though still relatively new in Germany, is a simple and user-friendly tool with some unique features, like income tax prepayments and automatic reminders for tax deadlines.
• 😀 DF Unternehmen Online is deeply integrated with tax advisory software, making it a preferred option for tax advisors, but it's less user-friendly and harder to navigate for solo users.
• 😀 The major differences between Lexware Office, Sefdesk, and Accountable come down to user preference, flexibility, and the level of customization required.
• 😀 The pricing for most of these tools is around €20 per month for basic packages, with some flexibility based on features and user needs. Accountable tends to be more expensive for professional users.
• 😀 If you're working with a tax advisor, the differences between tools are less significant since your advisor will likely handle any complex tasks like balance sheets and financial statements.
• 😀 It's recommended to test the tools through free trials to determine which one works best for your specific business needs, as the differences are often more about user interface and personal preferences than functionality.

Q & A

What are the main bookkeeping tools compared in the video?

The video compares four popular bookkeeping tools for self-employed individuals in Germany: Lexware Office, sefdesk, Accountable, and DATEV Unternehmen Online.

What is the primary use case for Lexware Office, sefdesk, and Accountable?

These three tools are designed for self-employed individuals who prefer to manage their own bookkeeping, including generating VAT returns and income-expense statements. They work well for smaller businesses that aren't subject to full accounting obligations.

How do Lexware Office and sefdesk differ from DATEV Unternehmen Online?

Lexware Office and sefdesk are standalone tools for self-employed individuals, allowing them to manage their own bookkeeping. In contrast, DATEV Unternehmen Online is designed primarily for collaboration with tax advisors, and doesn't allow users to directly file VAT returns or income statements themselves.

What are the benefits of using DATEV Unternehmen Online?

DATEV Unternehmen Online is best for self-employed individuals working closely with a tax advisor. It allows seamless integration with the tax advisor's software, which can be helpful for managing data exchange and year-end reports.

Which tool is recommended for users who want a simple and error-free system?

Lexware Office is recommended for users who prefer a simple, closed system that reduces the risk of errors. It’s user-friendly, making it ideal for those with minimal bookkeeping needs.

How does sefdesk provide more flexibility compared to Lexware Office?

Sefdesk allows more customization than Lexware Office. Users can create custom tax accounts and configure tax rates, making it ideal for those who need specific adjustments for their bookkeeping.

What unique feature does Accountable offer compared to the other tools?

Accountable offers additional features like automatic tax payment estimations and reminders for income tax prepayments, which are not available in Lexware Office or sefdesk. It also provides an intuitive user experience, designed to simplify bookkeeping.

What are the main drawbacks of using DATEV Unternehmen Online?

The main drawbacks of DATEV Unternehmen Online are its less intuitive user interface, limited customization options, and higher complexity. It’s best suited for users working with tax advisors rather than those who prefer to manage their own bookkeeping independently.

How do the prices of these tools compare?

The prices for these tools are generally around €20 per month for solo self-employed individuals who need basic bookkeeping and invoicing features. Accountable is slightly more expensive, especially for full-time users, with prices rising to €33 per month.

Which tool should I choose if I want to work independently and avoid customization risks?

Lexware Office is ideal for users who prefer to work independently and don’t require extensive customization. Its simple and closed system minimizes the risk of mistakes, making it a safe choice for those without advanced bookkeeping knowledge.