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Digital accounting: 5 steps, benefits and obligation
5 Schritte, Vorteile und Pflichten
We'll show you the benefits of digital accounting and how you can easily make the switch step by step.
Key points
Digital accounting automates your processes.
You can also view receipts and make bookings on the go.
From self-employed people and entrepreneurs to limited liability companies and UGs.
Digital solutions make it easier to work with Online tax advisor.
Companies like yours rely on Integral:
Trustpilot
What is digital accounting?
All data that becomes relevant as part of your accounting is stored in one place and can therefore be retrieved centrally. Many providers use a cloud for this purpose and thus offer their users the option of getting an overview either while on the go and using mobile devices.
Just like traditional accounting, digital accounting is also subject to legal requirements, in particular the GoBD. Important details that become relevant in this context include the traceability of the individual processes and the security of the data.
Why digitize accounting? advantages and disadvantages
Benefits of digital accounting
Disadvantages of digital accounting
· With the help of digital accounting, you can (have) documents processed faster.
· You can view your data from anywhere and, for example, make accounting decisions while on the go.
· The fact that many processes are now automated ensures that the risk of errors is reduced.
· Digital bookkeeping creates a good basis for seamless cooperation with the tax advisor — regardless of whether they have their law firm in the place where you live or work in Berlin, for example.
· You can archive all documents in an audit-proof manner if you choose the right tool.
· Ultimately, digital bookkeeping is also more environmentally friendly, as most invoices no longer need to be printed out. This saves you paper (and money).
· With the help of digital accounting, you can (have) documents processed faster.
· You can view your data from anywhere and, for example, make accounting decisions while on the go.
· The fact that many processes are now automated ensures that the risk of errors is reduced.
· Digital bookkeeping creates a good basis for seamless cooperation with the tax advisor — regardless of whether they have their law firm in the place where you live or work in Berlin, for example.
· You can archive all documents in an audit-proof manner if you choose the right tool.
· Ultimately, digital bookkeeping is also more environmentally friendly, as most invoices no longer need to be printed out. This saves you paper (and money).
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What is integral?
Integral unites Tax advice, bookkeeping and payroll in a holistic service.
Through intelligent automation, personal support and seamless integration of your existing tools, Integral ensures that your company remains tax-compliant at all times.
Experience how modern tax advice can work — with a free initial consultation or a guided tour of our platform.
When is digital bookkeeping mandatory?
The GoBD requires that digital documents be tamper-proof, comprehensible and completely archived. In addition, the tax authorities must be able to digitally access the data during a tax audit.
Companies with electronic cash register systems are still required to use a certified technical security device (TSE). And since January 1, 2025, all companies in Germany must be able to receive and store electronic invoices in the B2B sector.
Even though there is no complete obligation to keep digital accounts, in practice, it is the most efficient way to securely meet legal requirements.
How to digitize your accounting: A step-by-step guide
Digitize accounting in 5 steps
Analyze your current accounting
Define what you want to change
Decide on the appropriate software.
(Re-) organize your workflow
Coordinate with your tax advisor
If your tax advisor does not support digital accounting, you have the option of signing the contract terminate and to switch to a tax advisorthat meets your requirements.
Software for digital accounting: Which tools are suitable for whom?
· Digital tax platforms for startups and SMEs
integral sees itself as an all-in-one tax service: a platform for digital tax advice, which automates accounting, organizes documents and offers interfaces to banks and tax consulting software. Especially for entrepreneurs, startups and SMEs, Integral is a solution to cover accounting and tax issues in one platform.
· Modern cloud software for self-employed
Independent cloud solutions are suitable for founders and smaller companies who want to manage their accounting themselves. They offer features such as automatic document entry and mobile access without including personal tax advice.
· DATEV with extensive functions
DATEV is considered standard software for many tax firms and larger companies. In addition to invoicing and bookkeeping, it enables comprehensive evaluations and is particularly common among legal forms such as GmbH or UG.
Many solutions today use AI-based automation. Automatic document recognition and payment reconciliation save time and reduce errors. A comparison of features and Counsellor costs and accounting costs shows which variant is best suited to your company.
Storing receipts: tips for digital archiving
☑ Scan and record all documents as soon as possible. In this way, you ensure that you can benefit from current data.
☑ Opt for structured filingby filing receipts by date, type, and project.
☑ Use a tool, which complies with the GoBD and therefore stores the documents in a tamper-proof manner.
☑ Train your employees regularly, so that everyone knows exactly what they need to consider when it comes to digital accounting.
☑ Observe the legal storage period for the respective documents, for example for annual financial statements. Even with digital accounting, you must keep receipts for as long as required by law. As a rule, this is subject to a period of ten years.
With these points, you lay a solid foundation for a smooth transition.
Integral services at a glance
Tax advice
Bookkeeping
Payroll
Financial statements & tax return
Start your digital bookkeeping now
Choose a provider that suits your company and allows you to securely manage all important data at any time. If necessary, you can also access it on the go, whether for investment decisions or to quickly get an overview of your sales.
Digitize your accounting — get free advice now!
Questions and answers about digitized accounting
Digital accounting means that all accounting processes run electronically. Documents are digitally recorded, processed, archived and can be shared directly with the tax advisor.
Benefits include time savings, error reduction, better overview and easy archiving. Disadvantages can include initial investments, data protection risks, and reliance on software.
There is no general obligation. However, since 01.01.2025, companies must be able to receive and store e-invoices in the B2B sector.
GoBD-compliant software, secure archiving systems and, if necessary, a scanner for documents are required.
Documents are digitally recorded, automatically processed and stored in an audit-proof manner. Reports and evaluations are created directly in the software and are available for testing at any time.
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