Which DATEV application is used for what: Communication, Unternehmen Online and Meine Steuern
Guidance on DATEV applications. Distinguish between MyDATEV Kommunikation, DATEV Unternehmen Online and DATEV Meine Steuern, and handle the correct matter in the correct place.
Introduction
Several DATEV applications are accessible via the same portal. Whilst this is convenient, it can sometimes lead to confusion about which application is intended for which purpose. This article clarifies this so that you can process documents and enquiries in the correct place.
First, a few clarifications, as the applications are easily confused. They are not competitors, but complement one another. MyDATEV Communication does not replace document-management applications such as DATEV Unternehmen Online, and DATEV Meine Steuern is not the same as the general document exchange.
Furthermore, not every application is set up for every client. Which ones appear for you depends on how we work together.
MyDATEV Communication
MyDATEV Communication is a channel for communication between clients and tax practice. The application is divided into four sections: Documents, Conversations, Tasks and Approvals.
These sections are used to exchange documents and messages, process tasks and approve documents.
DATEV Unternehmen Online
DATEV Unternehmen Online is an application for day-to-day bookkeeping: uploading receipts, linking to your bank account, and retrieving reports. Incoming and outgoing invoices belong here, not in the general document exchange.
DATEV Meine Steuern
DATEV Meine Steuern is used to exchange documents for your personal income tax return. This is where you can upload the supporting documents required for your tax return.
Which application for which purpose
The following overview matches typical tasks to the relevant applications. Which applications are used in each individual case depends on your collaboration with your tax adviser’s firm.
| Purpose | Suitable application |
|---|---|
| Confidential message to us | MyDATEV Communication |
| Task to be carried out by us | MyDATEV Communication |
| Approve tax return or financial statements | MyDATEV Communication |
| Submit incoming and outgoing invoices | DATEV Unternehmen Online |
| Bank statements and payment transactions | DATEV Unternehmen Online |
| Documents for your personal tax return | DATEV Meine Steuern |
Use the application menu in the portal to switch between the DATEV applications that have been activated for you.
Common sources of error
- Documents filed as messages: Incoming invoices are sent as messages or via general document exchange rather than via DATEV Unternehmen Online. This results in a detour during processing.
- Wrong application selected: The system expects a function that is not authorised for you. The search returns no results, even though the task belongs elsewhere.
- Mixing personal and business documents : Documents for your personal tax return are filed within the business document workflow. This makes it difficult to assign them correctly.
Frequently asked questions
How do the applications differ?
MyDATEV Kommunikation is for collaboration between tax practitioners and clients, DATEV Unternehmen online is for day-to-day bookkeeping, and DATEV Meine Steuern is for documents relating to personal tax returns.
Where do I upload my documents?
Documents relating to day-to-day bookkeeping belong in DATEV Unternehmen online. Documents for personal tax returns belong in DATEV Meine Steuern.
What is DATEV Meine Steuern for?
It is for exchanging documents relating to your personal income tax return.
Why can’t I see an application?
Only the applications that we have set up for you are visible. If you are missing one that you need, please contact us.
Do I need the same login details for everything?
You log in via the same procedure on the same portal and can access the applications that have been activated for you via this portal.
How do I switch between applications?
Via the application menu in the portal.
Legal notice
This article provides an overview and is not a substitute for individual advice. The range of functions and menu navigation of DATEV applications may change as a result of updates; the current version applies.
If you have any questions about which application is the right one for your needs, please contact us directly.
Last updated: October 2026