New: Opti.Tax connects DATEV and BAFA

Opti.Tax Release 20.0 was launched just under four months ago. Now Release 20.1 is here. The current situation makes it more important than ever to adapt flexibly and agilely to changing circumstances. And to provide our customers and partners with a tool featuring new functions.

The release of Opti.Tax 20.1 sees the launch of two key modules: the interface to DATEV connect and the module for consultancy support. The development of both modules is the result of our collaboration with our partners. This fact is a prime example of how we put agility into practice with our partners.

The DATEV interface

In January, we spoke to our partner Truststone for the first time about the possibilities for integrating with the DATEV system landscape. Our partner, Truststone Software GmbH, provides the kanzlei.land platform. The two managing directors, Philip Hellmig and Kiljan Krys, shared their experiences of developing an interface to transfer data online via DATEV connect. Within our team, the discussion led us to decide on the very same day that we wanted to look into this matter. This is because, ever since hsp began offering software for creating procedural documentation, users have repeatedly asked for an interface to DATEV.

Good communication, swift implementation

After around two weeks, the decision was made: we began developing an interface to utilise DATEV connect. It wasn’t long before we were able to examine the initial results. It became increasingly clear that the interface would bring benefits to our clients when it came to preparing procedural or process documentation. We also successfully tested the transmission of taxonomy-based annual accounts to Creditreform. This includes the provision of a detailed rating report – featuring an industry comparison and a nationwide comparison of KPIs.

The interface with DATEV connect enables the following processes:

  • Access to the client list in DATEV and automatic creation of the client in Opti.Tax
  • Import of all relevant client master data to pre-populate the relevant fields, including those relating to project types
    • Procedural and process documentation
    • Records relating to cash management
    • Credit rating analysis with Creditreform
  • Transfer of balances and automatic allocation of general ledger accounts in accordance with SKR03 or SKR04 to taxonomy items

We’re moving to kanzlei.land

At kanzlei.land, clients are actively involved in the preparation of procedural and litigation documentation. This begins with the DATEV data retrieved being transferred to kanzlei.land via the new interface with immediate effect. This is followed by an initial interview with the client on kanzlei.land, where they can check the data. They can use this process to request any necessary changes to their master data. In addition, we are looking into the possibility of transferring this amended data back to DATEV as well. This would ensure that the client’s master data is also directly up to date there.

The Counselling Support Module

Also in January, Paul Liese met with Alexander Thiem, a funding adviser. In Hamburg, the two discussed the details of their partnership. This was intended to deliver tangible benefits for users of Opti.Tax Doku. The initial findings from the discussion were recorded and presented via livestream on the very same day. Neither the two of them nor the hsp team would have imagined that this strategic development would prove to be of such fundamental importance so quickly.

In many conversations with people interested in Opti.Tax Documentation And for Paul Liese, one thing became clear time and again: hardly any clients are interested in the subject of procedural documentation. Many clients cite the associated costs as the reason for this. In other cases, clients pointed out to the consultants that the BAFA provides a grant towards the preparation of process documentation. But the consultants, in turn, were thinking about the application process and the documentation of the consultancy work. They felt the whole process was too time-consuming and that the grant was not worth the effort.

The reasons given led to the definition of the following objectives:

  • Companies not yet accredited by the BAFA should be able to simply compile all the necessary documents so that they can then apply for accreditation from the BAFA with the help of Alexander Thiem and hsp.
  • It should be possible to apply for funding for a consultancy project quickly and efficiently.
  • The process of drawing up the consultancy report should be straightforward and efficient, ideally supported by sample texts and templates.

A need identified, acted upon in a flash

All objectives have been achieved. Opti.Tax 20.1 now makes it possible to generate all the necessary documentation for accreditation. Once the consultant has submitted the accreditation application to the BAFA, they can specify the following in the very next step when setting up a consultancy project: ‘This project is to be funded via the BAFA.’ The system prompts the user to enter the relevant parameters for the project and then, at the touch of a button, transfers all the data to the BAFA form. A few more clicks and the application is on the BAFA’s digital desk.

If, for example, the client created in Opti.Tax is linked to a client in kanzlei.land, the client can enter the case number assigned by the BAFA at the start of the interview and thus begin the interview. Sample process flows, such as those for liquidity advice, are available for download in Opti.Tax Doku. The same applies to the database of sample texts and recommendations for action, which is continuously being expanded and contains an ever-increasing number of labour- and time-saving templates.