Transfer Time Tracking Data to DATEV – Here's How

DATEV and time tracking – do they work together?

Short answer: real-time direct transfer is rare. Most tools, including free time tracking solutions like Jomawo, rely on structured exports. For most freelancers and small teams this works perfectly fine.

I used to spend hours moving CSV files around myself. Today our export format at Jomawo is already accepted by DATEV with minimal adjustments. More on that below.

What export formats does DATEV actually need?

DATEV usually expects CSV or specific XML structures. Clear columns for date, employee, project, hours and hourly rate are essential. Miss one column and the import often fails.

That is why we check DATEV requirements before every export in Jomawo. Users can then download the correct file with one click.

Manual CSV route

The classic way: export timesheets as CSV and upload into DATEV. It works reliably and takes roughly two minutes per month.

Some users from our feedback round even do this only quarterly. As long as the records are clean, tax advisors rarely ask questions.

API or direct interface – is it worth it?

A real API connection to DATEV is overkill for most solo freelancers and small agencies. Setup takes longer than manual exports over many months.

We therefore focused on a simple, stable export. Anyone who grows later and needs a full interface can still switch to professional DATEV partners.

How to use the export in Jomawo

Open the desired period in reports. Choose “DATEV-compatible export”. The file lands directly in your download folder.

A quick check of the first rows is usually enough. If project codes and rates match, you can forward the file right away.

By the way: if you export regularly, save your settings once. Next time the whole process takes under 30 seconds.

Common pitfalls

Missing project assignments cause most import failures. That is why I recommend clean tracking right from the start.

Another point: breaks. DATEV often expects net hours. Our software subtracts breaks automatically when activated.

What changes for tax advisors and accounting?

Many tax advisors prefer clean digital files over handwritten notes. A well-structured export saves them time – and therefore saves you money.

I often hear that advisors even set up the DATEV imports themselves once the files are consistent.

Alternative: create invoices directly from time tracking

Instead of raw data you can also generate finished invoices in Jomawo. They already contain all DATEV-relevant fields.

Some users simply send their advisor the PDF invoices plus the matching CSV. This reduces follow-up questions even further.

Find more about our export features on the timesheet export page.

Practical tips from daily use

Best to build a fixed routine. On the last day of each month I export my own data and drop it into the DATEV folder. Takes five minutes but saves hours of searching later.

In a team you can delegate the export to one person. Everything stays central and traceable.

One final note: keep an eye on the current DATEV version. Small format changes happen occasionally. We update our exports accordingly.

In the end the question remains: do you really need a direct interface or is a reliable export enough? For most people the latter is perfectly sufficient.