Writing offers and invoices, documenting incoming and outgoing payments or keeping the cash book for cash transactions – these are all accounting tasks that freelancers, the self-employed and entrepreneurs cannot avoid. Most find bookkeeping tedious and time-consuming. But it is an integral part of every company and forms the basis for an uncomplicated year-end statement.

If you prefer to invest the time for bookkeeping in profitable activities, you do not necessarily have to hire an accountant. With an invoicing program, offers and invoices can be created in a few minutes and repetitive tasks can be easily automated. This leaves more time for the activities that bring money into the till. Depending on the accounting effort, the investment can quickly pay for itself.

The following comparison shows the most important features and tariffs of 11 invoicing programs. In the guide that follows, the self-employed read how invoicing software works, what functions it can have and what needs to be considered when choosing the right invoicing program. The answers to frequently asked questions can be found in the FAQ section. Last but not least, it is about the invoicing program tests by Öko-Test and Stiftung Warentest.

11 Best Invoicing Software

Lexoffice

 

According to the provider, the accounting program lexoffice offers a compact overview of the finances. Quotations can be created in around a minute and converted into invoices with one click. Documents in common formats can be uploaded using drag and drop. Thanks to text recognition, the software automatically assigns them to the corresponding incoming or outgoing payments. In this way, the essential accounting processes can be automated.

At lexoffice, interested parties can choose from four different tariffs with a monthly notice period. Regardless of the tariff, there is the option of taking advantage of a 30-day test phase. According to the provider, all tariffs are suitable for any type of business thanks to their adaptability to the size of the company.

  • “Billing and finance” – Creation of invoices and offers, online banking and receipt entry and management for one user
  • “Wage and Salary” – all functions of “Accounting and Finance” including company data and employee data management as well as accounting for all employee types and types of remuneration
  • “Accounting and reports” – additional cash book, sales tax return, profit and loss account and income surplus account for several users
  • “Accounting and Payroll” – all the functions of “Accounting and Reports” including payroll accounting, automated sending of tax data, integrated payment of employees and integrated document transfer as well as posting of personnel costs

The invoicing software from lexoffice can be used in the internet browser or via an app. New receipts can be scanned and uploaded via the app. Anyone switching to lexoffice from another provider will receive a switching discount of 50 percent for the first 12 months.

lexoffice Academy: The lexoffice Academy is a fee-based educational offer with further training on specific topics such as payroll accounting or tax knowledge. Knowledge transfer takes place through on-site coaches, online individual training or online learning groups.

lexoffice is not only ISO-27001-certified and GDPR-compliant, but also tested for data protection and data security by TÜV Rheinland and GoBD-certified. Invoices can only be sent by email. In the event of problems, users can contact customer service by phone or email.

What is a GoBD certificate? GoBD stands for the “Principles for the proper management and storage of books, records and documents in electronic form and for data access”. The GoBD certificate certifies compliance with the principles and guarantees users a legally compliant use of the invoicing software.

  • Four tariffs
  • 30-day trial period
  • Certified by TÜV Rheinland
  • GoBD certificate
  • exchange discount
  • Invoices sent by email only

sevDesk

 

According to the manufacturer, the sevDesk invoicing program offers a dashboardwith a central overview of the most important information on finance and accounting. Quotations can be created in just a few steps and easily converted into invoices. The software automatically links incoming payments to the corresponding invoices. The accounting software offers a legally compliant cash book for cash transactions.

The software is available with a term of one, 12 or 24 months, with the longer the term, the lower the costs. There are three tariffs to choose from, which interested parties can test for up to 14 days free of charge:

  • “Invoice” – “Perfect for doers who want to create their invoices quickly and easily” – basic functions such as the creation of offers and invoices as well as DATEV export and payment reminders
  • “Accounting” – “Perfect for anyone who simply wants to do their accounting themselves” – all functions from “Invoice” as well as EÜR, P&L and cash book
  • “Merchandise management” – “Perfect for entrepreneurs who want to save time and money when it comes to accounting” – all functions from “Accounting” including warehouse management, inventory postings and item assignment

The sevDesk software can be used both in the Internet browser and via the Android and iOS app. With free webinars, a knowledge database and a YouTube channel with video instructions, the provider supports users with familiarizing themselves with the invoicing program.

Tax consulting portal Users of sevDesk can create a portal access for their tax consultants so that they can quickly access all documents at any time. This facilitates cooperation between clients and tax consultants. With a tax consultant search service, the provider supports you in finding a suitable tax consultant.

SevDesk is ISO 27001 certified and GDPR compliant due to its server location in Germany. Invoices and offers can be sent by e-mail or by post using a credit balance in the account. There is an FAQ area on the sevDesk website. Customer service can be reached by phone or email.

What are the advantages of a German server location? If the operator of accounting software has its server location in Germany, data storage is subject to strict data protection and security guidelines in accordance with the GDPR. This also applies to server locations located within the European Union. Compared to an EU location, a German server location has the advantage of higher security standards in terms of building security, a fail-safe power supply and air conditioning. In other EU countries, the regulations on secondary security factors in data centers are usually not as strict.

  • Flexible term
  • Tax consultant access possible
  • YouTube channel and free webinars
  • Legally compliant cash book
  • No online banking at the cheapest rate

FastBill

According to the provider, FastBill’s invoice program is suitable for freelancers and small businesses. It brings together bills, receipts, banking, cash flow, taxes, financing and more in one place. Documents can be easily uploaded using drag and drop. All data can be easily transmitted to a tax consultant.

FastBill can be used in three different tariffs with a term of one or 12 months. If you opt for annual billing, you get the software 10 percent cheaper. There is a 14-day trial period for the “Starter” and “Pro” tariffs.

  • “Starter” – “Ideal for sole proprietors and freelancers” – one user access, one banking account to be connected, tax consultant export, unlimited receipts and document management, unlimited offers and invoices and your own invoice layout
  • “Pro” – “Ideal for the self-employed and small companies who want to automate a lot” – all the functions of “Starter” plus five banking accounts, five user accesses, DATEV transmission as well as a customer center and document entry
  • “Premium” – “for companies that want to outsource as many working hours as possible” – all the functions of “Pro” plus categorization of income and expenses, monthly status reports and complete financial accounting

An automated receipt import can be booked for all tariffs and is already included in the “Premium” tariff. For the creation of individualized invoices and templates, FastBill offers a template editor with which, according to the provider, invoice or offer templates can be created within a few minutes.

Scan app for receipts: The FastBill invoice program includes a scan app with which receipts can be scanned with a smartphone and automatically imported into the software.

The FastBill billing software complies with the ISO standard 27001 and is GDPR-compliant thanks to hosting in Germany. According to the provider, the software is so easy to use that no training is required. FastBill offers various additional services, such as finding a tax advisor, a VAT calculator and/or a financial dictionary. For a monthly flat rate, the premium package includes a digital tax consultant.

What is drag and drop? Drag and Drop means something like dragging and dropping. It denotes uploading files by dragging them with the mouse pointer. Invoices, receipts and other documents can be moved from the computer desktop to the invoice program and are automatically uploaded. This eliminates the time-consuming search in the documents folder.

  • Easy handling
  • template editor
  • Online tax consultant possible
  • 10 percent savings when paid annually
  • No free trial for premium plan

Easybill

With the easybill billing program, billing takes place in four steps. Simply select the customer from the database, add the items to be calculated, check the document preview, then save and send. Quotations can easily be converted into invoices. Reminders can be sent automatically at a specified time.

The easybill invoicing program is particularly suitable for service providers and operators of online shops. It is available in seven different tariffs with a term of one or 12 months. If you opt for an annual tariff, you can save up to 15 percent. There is no free trial period. There is a free tariff for this at easybill.

Tariffs for service providers:

  • “Free” – unlimited documents, up to three clients
  • “Basic” – unlimited documents, up to 20 customers, free email delivery, your own stationery as a template
  • “Plus” – unlimited customers, repeat invoices, project management with time tracking, cloud backup, free theme pack, import manager for up to 500 sales, automations via API with up to ten tasks per minute
  • “Business” – Everything from the “Plus” tariff with 60 API automations per minute and import manager for up to 5,000 sales per month including automated dunning procedure and employee management

Tariffs for online shops:

  • “Business 10K” – import manager for up to 10,000 sales per month
  • “Business 20K” – import manager for up to 20,000 sales per month
  • “Business 30K” – import manager for up to 30,000 sales per month

The online shop tariffs support 34 different marketplaces and shop systems. Access for several users is possible in all tariffs.

Two-factor authentication For more security when logging in, easybill has two-factor authentication. In addition to a password, a code is required for login, which users receive via their smartphone.

Security and data protection guidelines are GDPR-compliant at easybill. Invoices can be sent by email, fax or post. For problems with the software, easybill has an FAQ area as well as customer service that can be reached by phone and email.

  • Seven tariffs
  • Two-Factor Authentication
  • Up to 15 percent savings with annual billing
  • No ISO certificate

Billomat

Billomat describes its invoicing program as an “all-round feel-good package” for the accounting of small businesses, the self-employed and medium-sized companies. The software is easy to use and requires no training. According to the provider, creating and sending invoices is possible in less than a minute.

Billomat’s billing software can be used in three tariffs with a term of one or 12 months. Anyone who is not sure whether the software is suitable for their own requirements can take advantage of a 14-day test phase for all tariffs.

  • “Solo” – “Perfect for freelancers and operators of a side business” – up to 30 invoices or quotes per month, payment reminders, delivery notes, one user access and one template per document type
  • “Business” – “Perfect for startups or small and medium-sized businesses” – unlimited invoices and quotes, additional users bookable, unlimited templates for all document types
  • “Enterprise” – suitable for different requirements thanks to individual composition

Individual tariff and price composition: The “Enterprise” tariff has individual costs and functions. In a conversation with a customer advisor, users can put together a tariff that includes all the necessary functions for their own needs.

According to Billomat, the user interface of the billing software has a clear and intuitively usable design. Invoices can be sent by email, post or fax. Billomat offers numerous add-ons for various business sectors such as marketing, e-commerce or IT consulting- for example Shopify, OneDrive, online banking or DATEV. Every Friday, Billomat offers customers a free accounting workshop to learn about accounting processes.

  • ISO-27001
  • Hosting in Germany – GDPR compliant
  • Customer service via FAQ section, phone, email or live chatbot
  • Individual enterprise tariff
  • Numerous integration options for add-ons
  • Free accounting workshops
  • None

BillingEngine

According to the provider, BillingEngine’s invoicing program is suitable for small and medium-sized companies, the self-employed and freelancers. It can be used in four different tariffs with a term of 1 or 12 months. Instead of a test phase, the billing software can be used free of charge in the “Free” tariff.

  • “Free” – three invoices per month, one user, six invoice languages ​​and invoices as CSV, XLS and XML file exportable
  • “Basic” – all functions of “Free” including 30 invoices, two users, use of foreign currency, invoices as PDF without watermark, dunning and recurring invoices can be automated
  • “Plus” – all functions of “Basic” with 300 invoices per month and four users
  • “Premium” – all the functions of “Plus” with 3,000 invoices per month and eight users

BillingEngine’s hosting partner is DigitalOcean based in Frankfurt. Accordingly, data storage is GDPR-compliant. Invoices can only be sent by email. If you are not satisfied with BillingEngine’s invoicing program, you can take advantage of a 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Free tariff
  • 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
  • No ISO certificate
  • Invoices sent by email only
  • no app

Debitoor 

According to the provider, the Debitoor invoicing program enables accounting with just a few clicks – from the offer to the invoice to the delivery note. Documents can therefore be easily uploaded. All expenses can be easily tracked and documented using a time sheet. The software marks all booked transactions with a tick so that the self-employed can get a good overview of their finances.

Debitoor is available in four different tariffs. Interested parties can choose between a term of one or 12 months and test the software for up to 7 days free of charge.

  • “XS” ​​- 100 invoices per year for one user, DATEV export and tax consultant access
  • “S” – all functions of “XS” with 400 invoices per year, offers and delivery notes as well as invoice designer for individual invoice templates
  • “M” – all the functions of “S” including 800 invoices per year, reports for advance sales tax returns, simplified income surplus calculation, profit and loss account and balance sheet calculation as well as automatic online banking with payment reconciliation
  • “L” – all features of “M” with unlimited number of invoices and for up to three users

Debitoor’s data center is located in Ireland and is therefore subject to security and data protection regulations under EU law. Invoices can only be sent by email. The software can be used both via internet browser and app. Debitoor offers webinars and tutorials with step-by-step instructions to get you started quickly. Customer service is available via email and live chat

  • Four tariffs
  • Inexpensive XS tariff
  • No data center in Germany
  • Invoices sent by email only
  • No telephone customer service

Billbee 

Billbee describes its invoicing program as a “complete solution for marketplaces and online shops”. According to the provider, the software is intuitive to use and optimized for small businesses. It allows to fully automate the accounting of online stores. This includes orders, payments and shipping. There are no different tariffs. The subscription can always be canceled at the end of a month. Interested parties can take advantage of a 30-day test phase if they wish.

Billbee enables uncomplicated order processing, merchandise management and automation for small and medium-sized companies, with the costs depending on the monthly order volume. The fewer orders a company accepts per month, the lower the costs.

Service Promise : Billbee strives to provide the fastest customer service possible. If you have to wait longer than the next working day for the first answer to your support request, you will automatically not pay any fees for the billing program this month.

Due to Billbee’s server location in Germany, data storage is automatically subject to the guidelines of the GDPR. The provider explains how to use the billing program on its YouTube channel. At Bellbee, written invoices can only be sent by email. In case of questions and problems, users can find out more in the FAQ area or use the e-mail support. Every third Thursday of the month, Billbee hosts free webinars on general and special topics related to the billing program.

  • Flexible costs depending on the volume of orders
  • 30-day trial period
  • Monthly cancellable
  • No ISO certificate

Billtano

According to the provider, Billtano’s invoicing program is designed for small and medium-sized companies and offers a simply structured user interface. It has no different tariffs. Interested parties can choose between a term of 30, 90 or 360 days and take advantage of a 14-day test phase in advance.

In addition to writing invoices and offers, the software allows you to upload an unlimited number of documents – for example expenses, credit notes, invoices, reminders or offers. Any number of customers and articles can be created and profit and loss accounts can be created.

Billtano’s billing software can be used both via the app and via the Internet browser. The invoice and offer layout can be designed with individual stationery, a logo and a defined introductory and parting text. According to their own statements, Billtano offers a secure and DSGVO-compliantdata storage. Invoices are sent exclusively by email. For questions and problems, Billtano offers an FAQ area as well as customer service via contact form, e-mail or telephone.

  • Flexible term
  • Individual stationery with logo
  • No ISO certificate

 

Paperwork

According to the provider, paperwork is an invoicing program with a clear dashboard for an easy overview of the various functions. As soon as a customer has accepted an offer, a project with all the tasks to be completed can be created immediately. The software not only supports accounting, but also project management . An integrated time recording documents the time spent on various activities and automatically enters it in the invoices. This makes paperwork a good solution for service companies.

The invoicing program can be used in four different tariffs. The term is one or 12 months, with the annual variant being up to 20 percent cheaper. The “Pro+” tariff can be used free of charge for a certain period of time. The provider does not mention how long exactly.

  • “Free” – online accounting, creating offers and invoices, recording expenses, document management, master data, recording goods and services, time recording, three bookings per month via app, temporary support and 100 megabytes of storage space
  • “Pro+” – additional cash flow evaluation, reminders, unlimited app use, delivery notes, billing of receipts to customers, documents without paperwork logo, Pro Support, automatic receipt recognition, different fonts in documents, customizable document layouts, asset management, income surplus calculation, DATEV Export, recurring invoices, receipts from account transactions, runtime support and 1,000 megabytes of storage space
  • “Team” – additionally expanded business analysis, automated retrieval of up to five online accounts, up to five users, unlimited app usage for all users and 2,500 megabytes of storage space
  • “Business” – additional automated retrieval of up to ten online accounts, up to ten users, unlimited app usage for all users and 2,500 megabytes of storage

Support for the “Togo” environmental program: Togo is a climate protection and development aid project in Africa. Paperwork plants a tree together with Togo for each annual subscription.

The invoicing software from Papierkram can be used on the go via app and offers a secure and DSGVO-compliantData storage thanks to German server location. A free trade tax and VAT calculator is available on the provider’s website. Invoices can only be sent by email. For questions and problems, Papierkram offers customer service via email or contact form.

  • Four tariffs
  • Project management support
  • Support for the environmental program Togo
  • Free trade tax and VAT calculator
  • Invoices sent by email only
  • No telephone customer service
  • No ISO certificate

Zervant 

With Zervant’s invoicing program, invoices can be created and sent in less than a minute, according to the provider. The software offers time recording for service providers, which automatically enters the working time for different items in the invoices. The program can be used in four different tariffs with a term of one or 12 months. If you want to test the software first, you can use the free plan.

  • “Free” – unlimited invoices and quotes by email, customer service in six languages ​​and unlimited app use
  • “Starter” – an additional three paper or e-bills per month, up to 30 customers, bills from offers, dunning and payment reminders, and bills with attachments
  • “Pro” – additionally up to ten paper or e-invoices, unlimited number of customers, partial invoices, repeat invoices, time recording and several invoice profiles
  • “Growth” – up to 30 additional paper or e-bills

Larger tariff possible on request: According to the provider, an even larger tariff with up to 100 postal and e-bills is possible on request.

Zervant offers an app so that the billing software can also be used on the go. The data is stored on servers in Europe and is therefore subject to data protection and security standards under EU law. In the event of difficulties with the program, users can obtain information in an FAQ area or contact customer service via the contact form and e-mail.

What is an e-bill? An e-invoice is not a normal e-mail invoice. According to Zervant, it is a standardized, machine-readable format that is sent to customers by a partner of the via an e-billing network. The advantage compared to normal invoices by e-mail is that a machine-readable XML file is attached to the PDF file, which enables automatic processing of the electronic invoice.

  • Four tariffs
  • e-bills
  • No German server location
  • No ISO certificate
  • No telephone customer service