DATEV Meine Steuern: Working with the firm
Guide to the process in DATEV Meine Steuern. The six stages from collecting documents to receiving the tax assessment, the division of responsibilities between you and us, deadlines and notifications.
Introduction
DATEV Meine Steuern divides the work involved in completing a tax return between two parties: you provide the documents and details, and we use them to prepare the return. This article outlines the entire process in context and clarifies who is responsible for what and when.
Once you’re familiar with the process, you’ll know at every stage what’s coming next and what you can expect – and what we’re waiting for.
First, a few clarifications, as there are often misunderstandings about the process:
Digital collaboration does not mean you have more work than before – we remain fully responsible for preparing the return. Nor does it replace face-to-face discussions; we will continue to clarify any queries directly.
Word-for-word transcript
With DATEV Meine Steuern, you work together with your accountancy firm on your income tax return. You provide the documents and details; we use them to prepare the return. The following articles show you the entire process in context and make it clear who is responsible for what and when. Once you are familiar with the process, you will know at every stage what comes next and what you can expect. And what we are waiting for. Digital collaboration does not mean you have more work than before. We remain fully responsible for preparing the return. Nor does it replace face-to-face discussions. We will continue to clarify any queries directly. This article sets out your role within the overall process. The individual steps are described in detail in separate articles.
This article explains your role within the overall process. The individual steps are described in detail in separate articles:
An overview of the process
A tax return submitted via DATEV Meine Steuern goes through six stages.
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Setting up your account
We set up your account; you log in for the first time. This article explains how to log in to DATEV.
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Provide supporting documents
You upload your tax-related documents – on your computer or via the app. This article explains how to upload documents.
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Enter tax details
You can add details for which there is no supporting document via the guided interview. This article explains how to enter additional information.
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Preparing your tax return
We link documents and details to your tax return and prepare it.
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Approve the tax return
We provide you with the completed tax return for you to check, and you approve it.
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Submission and tax assessment
We submit the tax return to the tax office. We then make the tax assessment available to you in your inbox.
Who does what
The collaboration works because the tasks are clearly allocated.
Your tasks:
- Collect receipts and upload them to the correct tax year
- Enter and update details in the ‘Tax Information’ section
- Let us know when the documents are complete
- Check and approve the completed tax return
Our tasks:
- Set up your account and activate sections
- Link supporting documents and details to the tax return
- Prepare the tax return and make it available to you for approval
- Submit the tax return to the tax office and inform you of the decision
The extent to which you handle things yourself can be tailored to your needs. Some clients enter all the details themselves, whilst for others we take on more of the work. We will agree on the division of responsibilities during our discussion.
Timeframe
The duration depends on how complete the documents are and how busy our team is. The earlier in the year you provide your supporting documents, the sooner we can start on your tax return.
You don’t have to wait until all your supporting documents are gathered to get started. Many clients upload documents straight away as they become available and add to them throughout the year. By the end, there’s usually very little left to do.
Once we have prepared the tax return, the next step is up to you: approval. Only then can we submit it to the tax office.
Communication and notifications
Communication via notifications takes place at several stages. You let us know when your supporting documents are complete; we inform you when the tax return is ready for approval or when a new document has arrived in your inbox.
Please keep your email address up to date. Notifications – such as those regarding the approval of the tax return – are also sent by email. An out-of-date address may result in you overlooking a pending step.
We will clarify any queries regarding individual supporting documents or details in the usual way. The portal does not replace communication; it simply consolidates the documents.
Common sources of error
- No confirmation of completeness: Without your confirmation, we may be waiting for further supporting documents. Processing will start later than necessary.
- Approval is pending: Until you approve the prepared tax return, we cannot submit it to the tax office. The process comes to a halt at this stage.
- Out-of-date email address: Notifications about outstanding tasks do not reach you. Steps remain unnoticed and unaddressed.
- Documents submitted just before the deadline: If you upload all your documents in one go at the very last minute, you unnecessarily prolong the processing time. It then becomes more difficult to resolve any queries in good time.
- Assuming the portal handles everything automatically: The portal exchanges documents, but does not generate a tax return on its own. The processing is carried out by us.
Frequently asked questions
How long will it take for my tax return to be ready?
That depends on the completeness of the documents and our current workload. The sooner you provide your supporting documents, the sooner we can get started.
What do I need to do?
You upload supporting documents, enter details in the ‘Tax Information’ section, let us know when everything is complete, and finally approve the return. We’ll take care of preparing it.
What happens if a receipt is missing?
We’ll get in touch with you. You upload the missing document, and we’ll include it as long as the return hasn’t been finalised yet.
When will I hear from you?
We’ll get in touch if we have any queries, when the tax return is ready for approval, and when a document such as the tax assessment notice arrives in your inbox.
Does the portal replace face-to-face meetings?
No. The portal simply collates the documents. We will continue to deal with advice and queries directly.
Can I still submit paper documents?
That can be arranged. In that case, we’ll upload the supporting documents for you. We’ll discuss together which method suits you best.
Do I still need to sign anything at the end?
The declaration is approved digitally via the portal. A separate printout or a signature on paper is not usually required.
Legal notice
This article provides an overview and is not a substitute for individual advice. The specific process and division of responsibilities will depend on your personal situation and our agreement. The application’s features and menu navigation may change as a result of updates.
If you have any questions about the process, please contact us directly.
Last updated: June 2026