DATEV Integration

DATEV can automatically import ZUGFeRD invoices (PDF/A-3 with embedded CII XML) and post them to accounting. thelawin.dev generates exactly this format.

Why ZUGFeRD for DATEV?

DATEV Unternehmen online reads ZUGFeRD PDFs and pulls in the invoice data, so nobody has to type in numbers manually. Invoice number, amounts, VAT IDs, line items -- all imported. The PDF itself doubles as the visual receipt. Your Steuerberater (tax advisor) can process them in DATEV without any extra steps.

Recommended Format

For maximum DATEV compatibility:

{
  "format": "zugferd",
  "profile": "en16931",
  "template": "classic",
  "locale": "de",
  "invoice": {
    "number": "RE-2026-001",
    "date": "2026-01-15",
    "due_date": "2026-02-14",
    "currency": "EUR",
    "seller": {
      "name": "Mustermann GmbH",
      "street": "Musterstrasse 1",
      "city": "Berlin",
      "postal_code": "10115",
      "country": "DE",
      "vat_id": "DE123456789",
      "email": "info@mustermann.de"
    },
    "buyer": {
      "name": "Beispiel AG",
      "street": "Beispielweg 42",
      "city": "Muenchen",
      "postal_code": "80331",
      "country": "DE",
      "vat_id": "DE987654321"
    },
    "items": [
      {
        "description": "Beratungsleistung IT-Infrastruktur",
        "quantity": 8,
        "unit": "HUR",
        "unit_price": 150.00,
        "vat_rate": 19
      },
      {
        "description": "Software-Lizenz (jaehrlich)",
        "quantity": 1,
        "unit": "C62",
        "unit_price": 499.00,
        "vat_rate": 19
      }
    ],
    "payment": {
      "iban": "DE89370400440532013000",
      "bic": "COBADEFFXXX",
      "terms": "Zahlbar innerhalb 30 Tagen netto"
    }
  }
}

Important for DATEV

• Use profile en16931 (not minimum or basic)
• Include VAT IDs for both seller and buyer (when available)
• Fill in payment details (IBAN, payment terms) completely
• Use correct unit codes (HUR = hour, C62 = piece, DAY = day)

Profiles and DATEV Compatibility

Profile	DATEV Import	Data Included
minimum	Limited	Basic totals and dates only
basic	Good	Line items without full detail
en16931	Recommended	Full line items, VAT, payment info
extended	Complete	All fields including extras

Workflow: ERP → thelawin.dev → DATEV

Your ERP/CRM → Invoice data as JSON
    → POST api.thelawin.dev/v1/generate
    → ZUGFeRD PDF (PDF/A-3 + CII XML)
    → Upload to DATEV Unternehmen online
    → Tax advisor posts entries automatically

curl Example

curl -s -X POST https://api.thelawin.dev/v1/generate \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -H "X-API-Key: env_sandbox_demo_public" \
  -d @rechnung.json \
  | jq -r '.pdf_base64' | base64 -d > RE-2026-001.pdf

Validate Before DATEV Import

Use /v1/validate to check that the invoice is DATEV-compatible:

curl -s -X POST https://api.thelawin.dev/v1/validate \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -H "X-API-Key: env_sandbox_demo_public" \
  -d @rechnung.json | jq '.valid, .errors'

Next Steps

• lexoffice Guide | Cloud accounting
• Invoice Formats | ZUGFeRD profiles in detail
• n8n Guide | Automate invoice generation