FAQ & Help
Here you will find frequently asked questions (69) and the relevant answers on topics relating to Seewara. If your question is not listed, our customer service team will be happy to provide you with further assistance – Monday to Sunday from 6am to 10pm.
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Do you have questions or need help? Talk to us: Monday to Sunday from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
General
What are the benefits of the bank connection and how secure is it?
With the new SEEWARA® bank connection, you can securely integrate your account statements into the platform. Your access data is stored in AES256 encrypted form via the FinTS interface and the latest encryption technologies, and the entire data transfer takes place via SSL.
Your account stateme…
What is SEEWARA?
SEEWARA® is the new cloud software for maximum accounting simplicity. It was developed in Germany with the highest security standards – for the networking of people, supported by AI.
Uniquely connected Companies (clients) with accounting professionals (service providers) via the marketplace of…
What is accounting?
Accounting is an essential part of corporate management and serves to systematically record, monitor and analyse all of a company’s financial transactions. It is not only a legal requirement, but also an important tool for operational planning, control and decision-making. Accounting ensures trans…
DIY vs. Professional?
There is a variety of accounting software on the market. The main difference is whether bookkeeping is carried out by bookkeepers themselves – so-called do-it-yourself software (DIY) – or by bookkeeping professionals – accountants and tax advisors. It is up to accountants to decide which type of s…
How do I get an account as a client?
You go to the registration page and register your personal client account. The term ‘client’ is the general term for customers from the point of view of accountants, tax advisors and auditors. That is why we also use these terms.
What you need to do
When registering, enter your email addre…
What is a client?
In accounting, the term ‘client’ refers to an independent legal or organisational unit for which financial accounting data is maintained. A client can be, for example, a company, an organisation or an individual. Each of these units has its own accounts, balance sheets and business evaluations and…
What is a special chart of accounts?
An special account system in accounting is a specially developed account system that is tailored to the specific requirements of certain industries, company forms or areas of activity. While general charts of accounts such as SKR 03 or SKR 04 can be used by a wide range of companies and industries…
What is account assignment?
Account assignment is a central concept in accounting, referring to the process of assigning business transactions to specific accounts in the chart of accounts. This step is crucial for the correct recording and evaluation of a company’s financial transactions. The aim of account assignment is to…
What are important terms in accounting?
Here are some important accounting terms that can help you better understand the basic concepts and processes:
1. Assets:
A company’s property that provides economic benefits, such as cash, receivables, inventories and fixed assets.
2. Liabilities:
liabilities and equity of a compa…
How do I register with the tax office?
Here is a text that describes how to register with the tax office, including a reference to ELSTER:
Registering with the tax office
To register with the tax office, you must follow these steps:
Fill out the form: Download the tax registration form. This form is usually available on the…
Accounting & Taxes
What are the benefits of the bank connection and how secure is it?
With the new SEEWARA® bank connection, you can securely integrate your account statements into the platform. Your access data is stored in AES256 encrypted form via the FinTS interface and the latest encryption technologies, and the entire data transfer takes place via SSL.
Your account stateme…
What types of financial accounting are there?
In financial accounting, there are different types, depending on which aspects of the company are financially recorded and evaluated. Here are the main types:
Current financial accounting (Fibu): This is the classic form of accounting in which all business transactions of the company are syste…
What is the special chart of accounts SKR 03?
The special account system SKR 03 is a special account system developed by the Federal Association of German Tax Advisers (BStBK). It serves as the basis for the accounting of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Germany and is used particularly by companies that apply the income and expen…
What is the special chart of accounts SKR 04?
The special account system SKR 04 is a chart of accounts developed by the Federal Association of German Tax Advisers (BStBK) and is mainly aimed at larger companies and industrial firms that carry out accounting in accordance with commercial and tax law requirements. It is more structured and deta…
What is the special chart of accounts SKR 49?
The special account system SKR 42 is a special account system developed for non-profit organisations, associations, foundations and similar non-profit organisations in Germany. It will come into force on 1 January 2025 and will replace the previous SKR 49. The SKR 42 was developed to better take i…
What is the SKR 42 special chart of accounts?
The special account system SKR 42 is a special account system developed for non-profit organisations, associations, foundations and similar non-profit organisations in Germany. It will come into force on 1 January 2025 and will replace the previous SKR 49. The SKR 42 was developed to better take i…
What is a special chart of accounts?
An special account system in accounting is a specially developed account system that is tailored to the specific requirements of certain industries, company forms or areas of activity. While general charts of accounts such as SKR 03 or SKR 04 can be used by a wide range of companies and industries…
What is a chart of accounts?
The chart of accounts is a structured system of accounts used in accounting to systematically record and organise a company’s financial transactions. It serves as the basis for the preparation of accounting records and enables a uniform classification of business transactions.
Characteristics…
What is account assignment?
Account assignment is a central concept in accounting, referring to the process of assigning business transactions to specific accounts in the chart of accounts. This step is crucial for the correct recording and evaluation of a company’s financial transactions. The aim of account assignment is to…
What are important terms in accounting?
Here are some important accounting terms that can help you better understand the basic concepts and processes:
1. Assets:
A company’s property that provides economic benefits, such as cash, receivables, inventories and fixed assets.
2. Liabilities:
liabilities and equity of a compa…
What does the tax office need from me?
The tax office requires various documents and information from self-employed persons in order to correctly record and check their tax liabilities. Here are some of the most important documents that self-employed persons should submit:
Income tax return: An annual declaration to determine taxa…
What is an advance VAT return?
The advance VAT return is a document that entrepreneurs in Germany must regularly submit to the tax office. It is used to report the turnover achieved in the respective advance return period (usually monthly or quarterly) and the VAT due on it.
Here are some important points about the advance…
By when must the advance VAT return be submitted?
The advance VAT return is a document that entrepreneurs in Germany must regularly submit to the tax office. It is used to report the turnover achieved in the respective advance return period (usually monthly or quarterly) and the VAT due on it.
Here are some important points about the advance…
What is sales tax?
Sales tax, value added tax and input tax are terms that are often used in the context of taxing goods and services. Here are the definitions and differences between these terms:
1. Sales tax
Sales tax (ST) is a consumption tax levied on the sale of goods and services. In Germany, the regula…
What is value added tax?
Sales tax, value added tax and input tax are terms that are often used in the context of taxing goods and services. Here are the definitions and differences between these terms:
1. Sales tax
Sales tax (ST) is a consumption tax levied on the sale of goods and services. In Germany, the regula…
What is input tax?
Sales tax, value added tax and input tax are terms that are often used in the context of taxing goods and services. Here are the definitions and differences between these terms:
1. Sales tax
Sales tax (ST) is a consumption tax levied on the sale of goods and services. In Germany, the regula…
What is an eInvoice?
An e-invoice (electronic invoice) is a digital form of an invoice that is created, transmitted and received electronically. Unlike a traditional paper invoice, it is issued in a structured electronic format that allows for automatic and digital processing.
Important features of an e-invoice ar…
Where do I import the XML data for my advance VAT return into Elster?
In Elster, you can import the XML data for the advance VAT return as follows (open direct link in Elster):
Login to Elster Online
Go to elster.de and log in with your access data.
Select the form:
Click on ‘Forms’ in the main menu.
Under ‘VAT’, select the ‘Advance VAT return’ for…
What is procedural documentation in accounting?
In information security, the term ‘integrity’ refers to the second fundamental pillar of the CIA triad, ‘confidentiality’. Integrity means that information must not be modified, destroyed or falsified without authorisation, and that it must always be preserved in its correct and complete form…
What is the difference between bookkeeping, bookkeeping and accounting?
The difference between bookkeeping, accounting and accountancy lies mainly in the language and nuances of their meaning, with the terms being used in different contexts:
Bookkeeping:
Definition: Bookkeeping refers specifically to the systematic recording and reporting of a business’s transact…
Documents & Exports
What are exports?
Create a sales tax advance return
Export the data set of your choice under ‘Accounts’, for example for the period October 2024.
You will then receive a zip file as a download in your browser.
Unzip the file to obtain the xml file inside.
Then go to elster.de or use this direct link to…
What are documents in accounting?
In accounting, documents are all records that serve as proof of accounting transactions and form the basis for recording business transactions in the financial books. They are important to ensure the transparency and traceability of the accounting and to meet legal requirements. Documents in accou…
What is procedural documentation in accounting?
In information security, the term ‘integrity’ refers to the second fundamental pillar of the CIA triad, ‘confidentiality’. Integrity means that information must not be modified, destroyed or falsified without authorisation, and that it must always be preserved in its correct and complete form…
Functions & features
What are documents in accounting?
In accounting, documents are all records that serve as proof of accounting transactions and form the basis for recording business transactions in the financial books. They are important to ensure the transparency and traceability of the accounting and to meet legal requirements. Documents in accou…
What is a dashboard?
A dashboard in accounting software is a user-friendly overview that displays all relevant financial and business data at a glance. It serves as a central control element to quickly and easily get an overview of a company’s financial situation. Dashboards typically provide visual representations, s…
What is the mailbox?
An internal mailbox in software is a digital communication function within a system that allows users to exchange messages or notifications directly and securely between different users or between users and the software itself. It is a kind of ‘message centre’ within the application that is specif…
What are activities?
Activities in a software, also known as a logbook, are records or logs of events and actions performed within the software. They provide a detailed overview of the actions performed by users or the system itself at specific times. These activities are particularly important for traceability, troub…
What is the team function?
The Team function in collaboration software enables users to work together effectively and efficiently by providing tools and functions that promote communication, coordination and the exchange of information within teams. This function is specifically designed to facilitate collaboration, optimis…
What are the settings?
In the settings, you will find various tabs where you can enter information.
Document recognition
We currently use OpenAI to read the document parameters, such as the invoice creator (or recipient), invoice number, invoice date and total amount. If you use this service and enter an incoming…
Prices & Packages
How are the packages designed?
We offer packages based on the number of records included, which can be posted monthly by the accountant of your choice.
Choose the package that’s right for you and customise it as needed to find the right solution for your business.
Find out more at Pricing.
How are the prices organised?
Our prices are clear and fair, so you know exactly what you are paying as a client.
You have three options for putting together your own individual service package:
You choose a package of your choice – from Starter to Premium Plus.
You book additional receipts on a one-off basis without…
Account, profile & settings
How do I get an account as a client?
You go to the registration page and register your personal client account. The term ‘client’ is the general term for customers from the point of view of accountants, tax advisors and auditors. That is why we also use these terms.
What you need to do
When registering, enter your email addre…
How do I get an account as an accountant?
You go to the registration page and register your personal Buchhalter account.
What you need to do
In the registration form, enter your email address and your desired password. Then select the ‘Accountant’ account type. Please also let us know how you found out about us and confirm that you…
What are the settings?
In the settings, you will find various tabs where you can enter information.
Document recognition
We currently use OpenAI to read the document parameters, such as the invoice creator (or recipient), invoice number, invoice date and total amount. If you use this service and enter an incoming…
Security & data protection
What are the benefits of the bank connection and how secure is it?
With the new SEEWARA® bank connection, you can securely integrate your account statements into the platform. Your access data is stored in AES256 encrypted form via the FinTS interface and the latest encryption technologies, and the entire data transfer takes place via SSL.
Your account stateme…
How safe is SEEWARA®?
At SEEWARA®, we place the highest value on the security of your data while ensuring seamless collaboration between accountants and clients. Our platform offers a unique security architecture that allows documents to be exchanged, edited, and archived securely and efficiently, and exported seamless…
What is zero-knowledge encryption?
Zero-knowledge cryptography (also known as zero-knowledge protocols) is a cryptographic concept in which one party (the prover or sender) proves to another party (the verifier or receiver) that a piece of information is true without revealing the information itself. This means that after the excha…
What is asynchronous RSA encryption?
Asynchronous RSA encryption is a cryptographic method based on the RSA algorithm used to transfer information securely over insecure networks (such as the internet). The term ‘asynchronous’ in this context means that the encryption and decryption are done with different keys. This is different fro…
What is the GDPR?
The GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) is a regulation of the European Union (EU) that aims to strengthen and harmonise the protection of personal data and the privacy of EU citizens. It was adopted on 27 April 2016 and came into force on 25 May 2018. The GDPR applies to all companies and o…
What is an ISMS?
An ISMS (Information Security Management System) is a systematic management system designed to ensure information security within an organisation. It comprises a set of policies, procedures, processes and technologies designed to protect confidential information and minimise the risk of security i…
What does ‘confidential’ mean in information security?
In information security, the term ‘confidential’ refers to one of the three fundamental pillars of protection requirements analysis, often referred to as the CIA triad. The CIA triad includes confidentiality, integrity and availability. In this context, confidentiality describes the protection of…
What does ‘integrity’ mean in information security?
In information security, the term ‘available’ refers to the third pillar of the CIA triad: availability. Availability means that information and systems are accessible to authorised users and can be used when they are needed, and that data is not lost or rendered inaccessible by unforeseen events…
What does ‘available’ mean in information security?
In information security, the term ‘available’ refers to the third pillar of the CIA triad: availability. Availability means that information and systems are accessible to authorised users and can be used when they are needed, and that data is not lost or rendered inaccessible by unforeseen events…
What is information security?
The difference between bookkeeping, accounting and accountancy lies mainly in the language and nuances of their meaning, with the terms being used in different contexts:
Bookkeeping:
Definition: Bookkeeping refers specifically to the systematic recording and reporting of a business’s transact…
Team & Communication
What does an accountant do?
An accountant is a professional responsible for systematically recording, monitoring and evaluating a company’s financial transactions. The accountant’s main task is to ensure that all financial operations are documented accurately and in a timely manner, in order to maintain transparent and trace…
What does a tax consultant do?
A tax advisor is a trained professional who assists individuals, businesses and organisations with all tax-related matters. The main tasks of a tax advisor are:
Tax advice: Tax advisors provide comprehensive advice on tax laws and regulations. They help their clients identify and take advantag…
How often do you talk to a tax consultant?
How often you interact with a tax advisor depends on a variety of factors, including the complexity of your business structure, the type of services you need and the legal requirements. However, there are some general guidelines that may apply to many businesses and individuals:
1. Regular com…
How often do you exchange ideas with an accountant?
How often you interact with an accountant depends primarily on the type and size of the business and the accounting requirements. So the frequency of communication can vary greatly. However, there are some typical scenarios and recommendations that can help you get started:
1. Regular accounti…
How often do you exchange information with an auditor?
Communication with the tax office takes place at varying intervals depending on the type and scope of the tax obligations of a company or private individual. For most companies and self-employed people, contact with the tax office is regular because tax obligations have to be fulfilled continuousl…
How often do you liaise with the tax office?
Communication with the tax office takes place at varying intervals depending on the type and scope of the tax obligations of a company or private individual. For most companies and self-employed people, contact with the tax office is regular because tax obligations have to be fulfilled continuousl…