How To Fix BK185 - Document with external ref. cannot be reversed through internal number.

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: BK - Create, Display, Reverse Controlling Document

• Message number: 185

• Message text: Document with external ref. cannot be reversed through internal number.

What causes this issue?

You want to reverse a CO document which has an external reference. You
cannot reverse the external document within the Controlling component.
The reversal must run via the external document number.

System Response

The R/3 System does not reverse the document.

How to fix this error?

Reverse the document by way of the external reference, where possible
with a reference for the internal reversal as well.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message BK185 - Document with external ref. cannot be reversed through internal number. ?

  The SAP error message BK185 ("Document with external ref. cannot be reversed through internal number") typically occurs when you attempt to reverse a financial document that was created with an external reference number, but you are trying to do so using an internal document number. This situation can arise in various financial transactions, such as journal entries or invoices.
  Cause:
  
  External Reference Number: The document you are trying to reverse was created with an external reference number (e.g., a document number from an external system or a manually entered number).
  Internal Number Usage: The reversal process is being attempted using an internal document number, which is not allowed for documents created with an external reference.
  Configuration Issues: There may be configuration settings in the SAP system that restrict the reversal of documents based on how they were created.
  
  Solution:
  
  Use the Correct Document Number: To reverse the document, you need to use the external reference number associated with the original document. Check the original document to find the correct external reference number.
  Transaction Code: Use the appropriate transaction code for reversing documents, such as FB08 (for reversing accounting documents) or FBRA (for reversing a document with a reference).
  Check Document Type: Ensure that the document type allows for reversal. Some document types may have restrictions on reversals.
  Consult Documentation: Review SAP documentation or help files for specific instructions on reversing documents with external references.
  Contact SAP Support: If the issue persists, consider reaching out to your SAP support team or consulting SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to this error.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as FB03 (to display documents), FB08 (to reverse documents), and FBRA (to reverse documents with reference).
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any updates or specific fixes related to this error message.
  User Authorization: Ensure that you have the necessary authorizations to perform reversals in the SAP system.
  System Configuration: Review the configuration settings in the Financial Accounting (FI) module to ensure that they align with your organization's policies regarding document reversals.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the BK185 error and successfully reverse the document in question.