What causes the BR-E-01 error?

When using VAT category E (exempt), an exemption reason must be provided.

How do I fix BR-E-01?

Recalculate the value in `cac:InvoiceLine` to match the expected formula. Verify all contributing amounts are correct (BR-E-01). This error involves a protected field — Invoice Navigator flags it in your pipeline so your team can correct it at the source.

Is BR-E-01 a critical error?

Yes, BR-E-01 is a critical error that will cause invoice rejection. It must be fixed before submission to ensure your invoice is accepted by the recipient's system.

Can BR-E-01 be automatically fixed?

BR-E-01 involves a financial or legal field that cannot be auto-modified by policy. Invoice Navigator detects and flags this error immediately, but the correction must be made manually in your ERP or invoicing software.

Which accounting software causes BR-E-01?

BR-E-01 is commonly seen in exports from All invoicing software. These software packages sometimes generate invoices that need adjustment to meet full compliance standards.

Error codes · EN 16931

BR-E-01Partly

Exempt VAT requires VAT breakdown

This is the rejection, word for word: „[BR-E-01] When VAT category E (exempt) is used on invoice lines, allowances or charges, exactly one VAT breakdown with category E must exist.“

What to have readyThe correct figures from your bookkeeping; we show you which field is affected.

What we doRecalculate the value in `cac:InvoiceLine` to match the expected formula. Verify all contributing amounts are correct (BR-E-01).

Choose the rejected invoiceor drop it here

XRechnung XML or ZUGFeRD PDF. Checking is free · corrected file €1.90 · the first every 30 days is free · no sign-up.

If you enter it yourself in your invoicing software

Before

<Invoice>
  <cac:InvoiceLine>999.99</cac:InvoiceLine>
  <!-- Does not match expected calculation -->
</Invoice>

After

<Invoice>
  <cac:InvoiceLine>100.00</cac:InvoiceLine>
  <!-- Matches expected calculation -->
</Invoice>

What the finding looks likeExample

FindingNeeds your check · BR-E-01

Location/Invoice/cac:TaxTotal/cac:TaxSubtotal/cac:TaxCategory[cbc:ID="E"]

From youThe correct figures

ThenChecked again

ProofSHA-256 and /verify link after the check

Often appears together with

BR-AE-01Missing reverse charge VAT summary BR-Z-01Zero-rated VAT must be in breakdown