ℹ️ Not a franchisee or exempt from VAT? If you're subject to VAT, read our dedicated guide instead: How to create a credit note for a previous purchase as a subject to VAT 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.
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.
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 (if necessary) split the items in exactly the same way.
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.
Didn't receive a credit note from your supplier, 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 purchase.
Upload the original invoice you want to credit.
Enter the date of the original invoice, so the correction lands in the correct tax year.
Use the same categories as on the original invoice and (if necessary) split the items in exactly the same way. Use the original invoice as your reference.
The credit note must mirror the original invoice item by item, using the same categories and amounts, but with all amounts entered as negative values. For example, a credit note for €100 should be entered as −€100. 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.
Have you already filed your personal income tax return for that year?
Then you can no longer make the correction this way. In that case, get in touch with your tax coach, so we can look together at the best way to fix it (for example, through an objection).
When is it safe to delete a purchase invoice as an franchisee or exempt business?
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 a return (e.g. a special VAT return, or your personal income tax return) already been filed that includes this invoice? If not, it's safe to simply delete it.
I made a small mistake on my first invoice, do I need to credit it in full?
Yes, even for a small mistake, you credit the invoice in full and then add the correct invoice afterwards. This is the simplest way to make sure your bookkeeping stays 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
