Harvest MCP Server
Track time, start timers, and generate project reports directly within your AI workflow.
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Overview
Harvest MCP Server enables seamless interaction with Harvest time-tracking data. By connecting your personal access token and account ID, you can query your work history, manage live timers, and generate billable reports using natural language through any MCP-compatible client. The server supports both read and write operations, allowing you to log time entries or start and stop timers on specific projects and tasks. For those who prefer stricter limitations, a dedicated read-only mode restricts the AI to gathering data without the ability to modify your timesheets or stop existing timers.
Our verdict
With a security score of 30/100, this server carries a high-risk rating. It is a community-maintained project that has not undergone editorial review, meaning users should exercise caution regarding the credentials provided to the integration. It is best suited for power users who understand the risks of third-party MCP servers and prefer to utilize the optional read-only mode to limit the server's reach into their Harvest account.
- Supports a native read-only mode for safety
- Provides minimal dependency count of only two
- Simplifies configuration with bundled install files
- Lacks verification through official editorial review
- Maintained by the community rather than the vendor
- Single-contributor project increases long-term maintenance risk
Setup
{
"mcpServers": {
"harvest-mcp": {
"args": [
"-y",
"@iiinigence/harvest-mcp"
],
"command": "npx"
}
}
}Paste into ~/Library/Application Support/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json (macOS) or %APPDATA%\Claude\claude_desktop_config.json (Windows), then restart Claude Desktop. Some servers require API keys or tokens as environment variables — check the project's README and add an "env" object if needed.
- No read-only mode — running this grants full read/write access.
- No built-in authentication — anyone with access to this config can invoke every tool it exposes.
Tools
| Tool | Description | Risk |
|---|---|---|
| get_me | Verify the connection; your user id, roles, timezone | low |
| list_clients | Clients in the account | low |
| list_projects | Projects with client, code, and budget info | low |
| list_project_tasks | Tasks available on a project (needed to log time) | low |
| list_time_entries | Entries with filters: date range, project, person, running | low |
| get_time_report | Aggregated hours by client / project / task / team member | low |
| log_time | Create a completed time entry | medium |
| start_timer | Start a running timer (auto-stops any other running timer) | medium |
| stop_timer | Stop the running timer | medium |
| update_time_entry | Edit hours, notes, date, project, or task | medium |
Compatibility
| Client | Local | Docker | Remote | Read-only |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ChatGPT | ||||
| Claude Desktop | ||||
| Cursor | ||||
| VS Code | ||||
| Windsurf |
Frequently asked questions
›What credentials do I need to connect this server to my Harvest account?
You need a Personal Access Token and the associated numeric Account ID, both of which can be obtained from id.getharvest.com/developers.
›Can I prevent the AI from modifying my time entries?
Yes, you can enable Read-only mode in the settings form or by setting the READ_ONLY environment variable to true, which acts as a hard block against all write operations.
›Is it possible to delete time entries using this server?
No, the server is designed without a delete tool, meaning entries can be created or edited but never removed through this integration.
›How do I install the server without using the terminal or Node.js?
You can download the iiinigence-harvest.mcpb file from the latest GitHub release and install it directly via the Claude Desktop Extensions settings menu.
›Does this server collect any usage data or telemetry?
No, the connector runs locally and performs no data collection or telemetry, communicating exclusively with the official Harvest API.
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