How To Fix 3W646 - The tax reference number can only be numerical

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: 3W - HR: Message Class South Africa

• Message number: 646

• Message text: The tax reference number can only be numerical

Self-Explanatory Message

Since SAP believes that this specific error message is 'self-explanatory,' no more information has been given.The majority of messages in the SAP system have a message text, however this is frequently insufficient to comprehend or resolve the problem.

To make things easier, more detailed information is frequently added to describe the issue, how to fix it, and the necessary steps or configuration modifications.

Unfortunately, there isn't any extra information in this error notice.

What else can you do?

First, use our AnswerBot below to get a possible cause and solution (requires a premium subscription).

Also, review the in-depth Common Questions & Answers listed below; you could discover a solution there or be able to connect with others who have faced similar challenges.

You can also try searching the SAP support portal (support.sap.com) but you need a special user ID to access it. It is possible that an SAP support note exists that provides additional details about the mistake or even steps for fixing it.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message 3W646 - The tax reference number can only be numerical ?

  The SAP error message 3W646 indicates that the tax reference number entered in the system is not in the expected numerical format. This error typically arises when the input for the tax reference number includes non-numeric characters, such as letters, special characters, or spaces.
  Cause:
  
  Non-Numeric Input: The most common cause is that the user has entered a tax reference number that contains letters or special characters.
  Leading/Trailing Spaces: Sometimes, leading or trailing spaces can cause the input to be interpreted incorrectly.
  Incorrect Field Configuration: The field may be configured to accept only numeric values, and any deviation from this will trigger the error.
  
  Solution:
  
  Check Input: Ensure that the tax reference number consists only of numeric characters (0-9). Remove any letters, special characters, or spaces.
  Trim Spaces: If you suspect there are leading or trailing spaces, use a function to trim the input or manually remove them.
  Validation: Implement validation checks in the input process to ensure that only numeric values are accepted for the tax reference number.
  Field Configuration: If you have access to the configuration settings, ensure that the field is set to accept only numeric values.
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Documentation: Refer to the SAP Help Portal or documentation specific to your version of SAP for more details on handling tax reference numbers.
  User Training: Ensure that users are trained on the correct format for entering tax reference numbers to prevent this error from occurring in the future.
  Error Handling: Consider implementing error handling in your SAP processes to catch and inform users of input errors before they submit the data.
  
  If the issue persists after checking the input and configuration, it may be beneficial to consult with your SAP support team or technical consultant for further assistance.