sevDesk or BuchhaltungsButler? Which one to pick if you sell online
Both programs handle invoices, receipts and VAT. The difference shows up once you add marketplaces and lots of transactions.
If you sell on Amazon, eBay, Shopify or Stripe, I recommend BuchhaltungsButler. Its E-Commerce Smart and E-Commerce Premium plans have their own integrations with these platforms, which pull in sales, fees and payouts automatically. E-Commerce Smart includes one integration, E-Commerce Premium all of them. sevDesk works well if you have few receipts and mostly write invoices.
Disclosure: I'm an official partner of BuchhaltungsButler.
The comparison
As of November 2026
| Criterion | sevDesk | BuchhaltungsButler |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon, eBay, Shopify, Stripe | Through partner integrations, for example Billbee for Amazon, partner costs may apply | Own integrations: one in E-Commerce Smart, all in E-Commerce Premium, more at €19.90 net a month each |
| Marketplace statements | Fees and payouts depending on the integration | Sales, fees and payouts are pulled in automatically |
| OSS | OSS tax rates on invoices | OSS in E-Commerce Smart and E-Commerce Premium |
| VAT return via ELSTER | Yes, from the Buchhaltung plan | Yes, from the Smart plan |
| Double-entry bookkeeping | Yes | Yes |
| Balance sheet report | No, data preparation only | Yes, from the Smart plan |
| Annual financial statements and E-Bilanz | No | Closing entries and the balance sheet as a report are possible. The E-Bilanz is submitted through the external service eBilanz+. |
| EC sales list via ELSTER (Zusammenfassende Meldung) | No, data preparation only | Yes, from the Smart plan |
| Cost centres and fixed asset management | Depending on the plan | Yes, from the Smart plan |
| Getting started | Free plan with 3 invoices a month, paid plans Rechnung, Buchhaltung and Buchhaltung Pro | E-Commerce Smart with one integration from €54.90, E-Commerce Premium with all integrations from €99.90, each net a month with an annual contract |
Prices and features change. You'll find the current details on the providers' sites: sevDesk prices and BuchhaltungsButler prices.
When each program fits
sevDesk fits if
- you're self-employed and mostly write invoices
- you have few receipts and don't sell on marketplaces
- a cheap start matters more to you than automation
BuchhaltungsButler fits if
- you sell on Amazon, eBay, Shopify or Stripe
- you have lots of transactions and bundled payouts
- you use double-entry bookkeeping or sell to several EU countries
Switching or getting it set up
Creating an account is quick. For marketplaces, bank accounts and receipts to work together properly, every integration needs clear rules. That's what I set up for you, and if you like, I can take over the ongoing bookkeeping afterwards.
I record your day-to-day business transactions and prepare your VAT returns and year-end closing up to the final step. You or a tax advisor of your choice then submit them.
Common questions
Is sevDesk suitable for Amazon sellers?
For a few sales, yes, through partner integrations like Billbee. With lots of transactions and several marketplaces, BuchhaltungsButler with its own integrations is the better choice.
Can I switch from sevDesk to BuchhaltungsButler?
Yes. It's easiest at the turn of the year. I set up the chart of accounts, integrations and bank accounts. You or your tax advisor carry over the opening balances.
Can both programs send the VAT return to the tax office?
Yes, both submit it via ELSTER, sevDesk from the Buchhaltung plan and BuchhaltungsButler from the Smart plan. You check it and send it yourself.
Which program works for a GmbH?
Both support double-entry bookkeeping. For a GmbH that sells online I recommend BuchhaltungsButler, because the balance sheet report, the EC sales list and the marketplace integrations all run in one system. Neither program produces the annual financial statements.