How To Fix 5C144 - Number of Withholding tax tables (&) does not equal number of columns (&)

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: 5C - HR: Messages for Switzerland

• Message number: 144

• Message text: Number of Withholding tax tables (&) does not equal number of columns (&)

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message 5C144 - Number of Withholding tax tables (&) does not equal number of columns (&) ?

  The SAP error message 5C144 indicates a mismatch between the number of withholding tax tables and the number of columns defined in the system. This error typically arises during the configuration of withholding tax settings in SAP, particularly when the system is trying to process or display withholding tax information.
  Cause:
  
  Configuration Mismatch: The most common cause of this error is a misconfiguration in the withholding tax settings. This can happen if the number of withholding tax types defined in the system does not match the number of columns expected in the relevant configuration tables.
  Custom Development: If there are custom developments or modifications in the system that affect the withholding tax tables, this could lead to discrepancies.
  Transport Issues: If changes were transported from one system to another (e.g., from development to production) and the transport did not include all necessary objects or configurations, this could lead to inconsistencies.
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check Configuration: 
  
  Go to the configuration settings for withholding tax in SAP (Transaction code: OBWW or OBW1).
  Verify that the number of withholding tax types configured matches the expected number of columns in the relevant tables.
  Ensure that all necessary withholding tax types are properly defined and activated.
  
  
  
  Review Custom Code: 
  
  If there are any custom programs or enhancements related to withholding tax, review the code to ensure it aligns with the standard SAP configuration.
  Check for any hardcoded values or assumptions that may not hold true in the current configuration.
  
  
  
  Transport Check: 
  
  If the issue arose after a transport, check the transport logs to ensure that all relevant objects were included and correctly transported.
  If necessary, re-transport the missing objects or configurations.
  
  
  
  SAP Notes: 
  
  Search for relevant SAP Notes that may address this specific error. SAP frequently releases notes that provide solutions or workarounds for known issues.
  
  
  
  Testing: 
  
  After making any changes, perform thorough testing to ensure that the withholding tax calculations and reporting are functioning correctly.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with transaction codes related to withholding tax configuration, such as OBWW (Withholding Tax Types) and OBW1 (Define Withholding Tax Codes).
  Documentation: Review SAP documentation or help files related to withholding tax configuration for best practices and guidelines.
  Community Forums: Consider checking SAP community forums or discussion boards for similar issues faced by other users and their solutions.
  
  If the issue persists after following these steps, it may be beneficial to consult with an SAP functional consultant who specializes in financial accounting and withholding tax configurations.