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BR-35:Credit note must reference original invoice

Credit notes should reference the original invoice being credited.

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Why This Error Matters

Reference to original invoice enables automated matching and accounting.

How to Fix It

1

Get original invoice

Invoice number being credited

2

Add reference

In BillingReference/InvoiceDocumentReference

3

Add issue date

Original invoice date helps matching

Code Example

<cac:BillingReference>
  <cac:InvoiceDocumentReference>
    <cbc:ID>INV-2024-001234</cbc:ID>
    <cbc:IssueDate>2024-11-15</cbc:IssueDate>
  </cac:InvoiceDocumentReference>
</cac:BillingReference>

Technical Details

XPath: /CreditNote/cac:BillingReference/cac:InvoiceDocumentReference/cbc:ID

Common Causes

  • No reference added
  • Wrong invoice number
  • Missing from credit note

Commonly Seen In

All invoicing software

Frequently Asked Questions

Credit notes should reference the original invoice being credited.
Add BillingReference with original invoice number. You can also use Invoice Navigator's automatic Fixer tool to correct this instantly.
BR-35 is a warning that may not always cause rejection, but it indicates a potential compliance issue that should be addressed to ensure full compatibility.
Many instances of BR-35 can be automatically corrected using Invoice Navigator's Fixer tool. Upload your invoice and the tool will identify and fix common issues, including credit note must reference original invoice.
BR-35 is commonly seen in exports from All invoicing software. These software packages sometimes generate invoices that need adjustment to meet full compliance standards.

Related Errors

BR-01

Invoice must have specification identifier

BR-03

Invoice must have an issue date

Last updated: 18 January 2026

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