What you will get from this guide
PayPal exports can be confusing: activity downloads include many internal columns, fees show up as separate lines, and CSVs are not designed for accounting imports.
This guide shows the simplest export options, plus a clean workflow to convert PayPal PDF statements into accounting-ready CSV (including DATEV/Lexware profiles).
Step-by-step
1. Pick your export method
Use PayPal"s Activity Download for quick CSV exports, or download a PDF statement if you want a cleaner conversion workflow.
2. Normalize transactions and fees
For bookkeeping you usually want a small set of columns (date, amount, currency, description) and fees mapped consistently.
3. Convert the PayPal PDF to CSV/DATEV
Upload the PayPal PDF to KontoCSV and download a clean CSV/Excel export. Choose DATEV or Lexware profile if you import into German accounting tools.
Best practices
- Export by month to keep reconciliation simple.
- Check fee handling: verify whether fees are included in the net amount or exported as separate lines.
- If you sell internationally, keep currency and FX columns consistent.
FAQ
How far back can I export PayPal data?
PayPal"s activity reports are typically limited per export window, but historical data may be available for multiple years depending on account type and statement access.
Why does the PayPal CSV have so many columns?
The activity download is a raw export designed for many use cases. For accounting, most columns are noise and fees need special handling.
Can I import PayPal transactions into DATEV?
Yes, but only if formats and columns match the import template. KontoCSV can output a DATEV-ready CSV via export profiles.
German original (more detail)
If you want the full German version with screenshots and extra edge cases, open the original guide here: