ℹ️ Not subjected to VAT? If you're a franchisee or exempt under Article 44, read our dedicated guide instead: How to create a credit note for a previous purchase as a franchisee or exempt business?
A credit note is the opposite of a purchase invoice: it cancels a previously invoiced amount, in full or in part.
You create a credit note when you want to fully or partially cancel the effect of a purchase invoice, for example because you returned something, received a discount afterwards, or need to correct a mistake. As a subject to VAT business, this also affects the VAT you previously reclaimed, so it's important to record it correctly.
If your supplier has issued you a credit note, simply import it as a credit note.
Go to the Expenses screen.
Click Upload new expense & Upload the credit note you received from your supplier.
Indicate whether it's an official invoice or not, this must match exactly what was selected on the original invoice.
Enter a minus sign (−) in front of each amount, as a credit note is a negative expense.
Use the same categories as on the original invoice and split the items in exactly the same way, per VAT rate.
Use the date that fits your situation: if the credit note falls in the same year as the original invoice, simply use the date of the credit note itself. If the original invoice falls in the previous year, use the date of the original invoice instead, so the correction lands in the correct tax year.
Assign the credit note to the current VAT quarter, so the correction is included in your current VAT return.
Didn't receive a credit note but still need to make a correction? Then create one yourself in Accountable, based on the original invoice.
Go to the Expenses screen.
Click Add a credit note on an purchase
Upload the original invoice you want to credit.
Indicate whether it's an official invoice or not, this must match exactly what was selected on the original invoice.
Enter the original invoice date, not today's date, so the correction lands in the correct tax year.
Use the same categories as on the original invoice and split the items in exactly the same way, per VAT rate. Use the original invoice as your reference.
Assign the credit note to the current VAT quarter, so the correction is included in your current VAT return.
The credit note must mirror the original invoice item by item, using the same VAT rates, categories, and amounts, but with all amounts entered as negative values.
For example, a credit note for +€100 + 21% VAT should be entered as −€100 and −€21 VAT. What remains in your bookkeeping is the original invoice, the credit note, and the new invoice, where the credit note cancels out the old invoice.
When is it safe to simply delete a purchase invoice?
Sometimes you receive an invoice you shouldn't have gotten in the first place (e.g. via Peppol, when it was actually a private purchase), or you simply want to remove an expense. What matters: has this invoice already been submitted in a closed VAT period? If not, it's safe to simply delete it.
If it falls in a closed VAT quarter, don't delete it: create a credit note instead, so the VAT correction is properly reflected in your next return.
What is an open or closed VAT quarter?
An open VAT quarter is a period for which you haven't submitted your VAT return yet. Expenses in an open quarter can still be edited or deleted directly.
A closed VAT quarter is a period for which the VAT return has already been submitted. Since the VAT has already been officially reported, deleting the expense won't reverse it. In that case, you'll need a credit note instead, so the correction is included in your next VAT return.
I made a small mistake on my first invoice, do I need to credit it in full?
Yes, even for a small mistake, credit the invoice in full, then add the correct version afterwards as a new expense. This is the simplest way to make sure your bookkeeping stay accurate, even if the mistake was minor.
Still have questions? We're always here to help in the chat 😊
Author - Valesca Wilms
As content marketing lead at Accountable Belgium, Valesca writes about freelancing, self-employment, and taxes based on her own experience as a freelancer.
Who is Valesca ?Thank you for your feedback!
Useful
As a self-employed individual with a sole proprietorship, your income is taxed under the personal in...
Read moreStarting from 2026, all self-employed individuals will need to send their invoices electronically in...
Read moreThe VAT reverse charge is a complicated word for a simple concept. It helps you purchase and sell sm...
Read moreThey always answer right away to any question I have, they provide clear answers, and they are very patient even when I struggle to understand. They try to explain in different ways. They are very helpful, responsive and friendly.
Chiara Marradi
01/05/2026
Everything was great! All my questions were answered quickly and in a friendly manner.
Wenzeslawa Wegener
04/05/2026
In the world where everyone seems to be out to get small entrepreneurs and overwhelm them with new rules, more taxes and reporting obligations, Accountable often feels like the one steady partner that actually wants you to succeed, providing quick, clear and personalised support. Thank you!
Janina Arsenjeva
10/04/2026
This is an amazing application with great support on issues. In short as in day I am addicted to it (in a positive way). I myself is from IT project management and the way they have captured the user requirement, it’s phenomenal.
Sumit Tewary
01/12/2024
UI is great. Feature packed and very easy to use. The team at Accountable were VERY quick to respond and their team of technicians soon had a fix in place. Very happy with the level of service so far. Thumbs up from me!
Dean Osborne
14/06/2023
This program is a lifesaver, and it is always improving. Plus, it has an AI chat feature that is actually useful.
Jeffrey Humble
14/01/2026
The coaching session on tax management was excellent, good material, excellent explanations and very insightful. Combined with the AI I never feel alone with Accountable.
Sergio Barbarino
23/04/2026
The availability of your team to help and guide people to understand their finances better is what really makes Accountable valuable. While the AI is able to give answers to most basic questions, specific scenarios need counsel from a human which your team performs beautifully.
Sofiya Bogdan Neves
18/04/2026
Fast and careful answers from Alina. Top service. Thank you.
Anonymous
15/04/2023
They always answer for questions wherever is via direct e-mail or through app. If they can’t answer fully they will forward you to the right place. Documents were always prepared well and ready to send further to government. Everything is intuitive in the app and easy to sort out even for someone completely green in this field.
Anonymous
22/03/2026
