# Real-time Economy - automated data exchange with government

## What is Real-time Economy?

The Real-time Economy concept is based on the idea that financial data flows between businesses and government agencies automatically, in a structured and standardized format. Instead of accountants manually logging into e-MTA or filling in questionnaires for Statistics Estonia, data is transmitted directly from business software in a machine-readable format.

The standard chosen for this data exchange is **XBRL GL** (_eXtensible Business Reporting Language - Global Ledger_) — an international format that enables the transmission of accounting entries, payroll data, and invoices in a unified structure.

## How Palgakalkulaator implements Real-time Economy

Palgakalkulaator's payroll solution integrates with Estonian government institutions, following the [data-driven reporting](https://realtimeeconomy.ee/andmepohine-aruandlus) approach:

-   **TSD declaration** — Employment and Services Declaration is generated and submitted to EMTA automatically, without the accountant needing to log into e-MTA.
-   **Employment Register** — employee and contract data is imported directly from the EMTA Employment Register.
-   **Wages and labour costs report** — Statistics Estonia reports are transmitted automatically. Statistics Estonia uses the same source data for multiple statistical purposes, minimizing the reporting burden.
-   **Sick leave certificates** — certificates are synchronized with the Health Insurance Fund (Tervisekassa) automatically, ensuring correct calculation of sick days and care leave.

## XBRL GL format

XBRL GL is an international standard for machine-readable transmission of financial and business data. Unlike traditional CSV or PDF reports, XBRL GL enables the transmission of structured transactional data that can be automatically validated and processed.

In the Estonian context, XBRL GL is used for transmitting payroll data, tax declarations, and statistical reports to government institutions. This ensures that data is consistent, accurate, and reusable. The full technical specification is available on the [XBRL GL standard page](https://realtimeeconomy.ee/xbrl-gl-standard).

## Try Palgakalkulaator payroll

Create an account and try automated payroll with Real-time Economy integrations.

[Sign up](https://app.palgakalkulaator.ee/signup)