Create and send a credit note

If you have sent an invoice with an error (wrong amount, wrong description or wrong VAT), you can send a credit note via the eConnect platform. The credit note automatically references the original invoice and is delivered through the same channel.

Note: the invoice type Credit note offered in the portal (TypeCode 384) is technically not the same as a UBL CreditNote document (TypeCode 381). The portal option is always labelled Credit note, but generates a corrective invoice (TypeCode 384); TypeCode 381 is only available via API or direct UBL integration. See Credit note variants for the technical background.

How to create a credit note

Step 1: Open the invoice form

Click on Create invoice in the main menu.

Step 2: Select the Credit note type

Select Credit note as the invoice type in the dropdown. This dropdown is located to the right of the middle of the form.

Step 3: Fill in the details

Fill in the details. The recipient (debtor) is the same as on the original invoice. Add a reference to the original invoice; the platform automatically carries over the original invoice number when you enter it in the reference field.

Step 4: Add the invoice lines

Enter the invoice lines with a negative quantity and a positive unit price. This automatically makes the amount negative. Never enter a negative price: negative amounts are allowed, negative prices are not.

Step 5: Send the credit note

Click Send. The credit note receives its own invoice number. The reference to the original invoice ensures the recipient can match the correction.

How to handle corrections

The Peppol standard requires a credit note to contain the full credited amount. The standard procedure is:

Credit the full original invoice with a credit note.
Create a new invoice with the correct details.

This ensures a clean administration for both sender and recipient.

Important notes about credit notes

The platform generates a CreditNote document (TypeCode 381) with all amounts positive. That is the Peppol convention: the document type implicitly indicates it is a credit note. Note: the invoice portal (free tier) does not support TypeCode 381. The portal only offers the corrective invoice (TypeCode 384) or the negative invoice (TypeCode 380). TypeCode 381 is available via API or direct UBL integration.
Using the PSB API? Both the CreditNote schema (positive amounts, TypeCode 381) and the negative Invoice (negative amounts, TypeCode 380, the Dutch GBNED convention) are supported. See Credit note variants: CreditNote vs. negative Invoice for technical details and sign conventions.
Negative amounts on invoice lines are not allowed in the CreditNote schema. Need to include a discount or deduction? Use a negative quantity with a positive unit price.
A credit note is sent through the same delivery channel as the original invoice (Peppol, platform or email).

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a credit note and a corrective invoice?

A credit note credits (part of) the amount of an earlier invoice. A corrective invoice replaces or corrects the content of a previously sent invoice. In both cases the document contains a reference to the original invoice. The platform supports both types.

Can I change a sent invoice afterwards without a credit note?

No, an invoice that has been sent via Peppol can no longer be changed. To fix an error you need to send a credit note or corrective invoice. For invoices still in draft, you can adjust the details before sending them.

Through which channel is the credit note sent?

The credit note is sent through the same delivery channel as the original invoice (Peppol, platform or email). You do not need to configure this separately.

Want to resend an invoice with corrected details instead of a credit note? Read Resend an invoice.

Create a credit note