How To Fix FIN_SUB_VAL021 - Document date cannot be later than posting date for vendor invoice

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: FIN_SUB_VAL - Messages from Substitutions and Validations

• Message number: 021

• Message text: Document date cannot be later than posting date for vendor invoice

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message FIN_SUB_VAL021 - Document date cannot be later than posting date for vendor invoice ?

  The SAP error message FIN_SUB_VAL021 indicates that there is a discrepancy between the document date and the posting date for a vendor invoice. Specifically, the document date cannot be later than the posting date. This is a common issue in SAP when entering financial documents, and it can lead to problems in accounting and reporting.
  Cause:
  
  Document Date vs. Posting Date: The document date is the date on which the invoice is issued, while the posting date is the date on which the transaction is recorded in the system. If the document date is set to a date that is later than the posting date, SAP will trigger this error.
  Incorrect Data Entry: Users may accidentally enter the document date incorrectly, leading to this mismatch.
  System Configuration: In some cases, system settings or configurations may enforce rules that lead to this error.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve the FIN_SUB_VAL021 error, you can take the following steps:
  
  
  Check Dates: Review the document date and posting date in the invoice entry screen. Ensure that the document date is not later than the posting date.
  
  If the document date is indeed later, adjust it to a date that is equal to or earlier than the posting date.
  
  
  
  Re-enter the Invoice: If you are unable to correct the dates, you may need to delete the invoice and re-enter it with the correct dates.
  
  
  Consult with Your Team: If you are unsure about the correct dates to use, consult with your finance or accounting team to ensure compliance with internal policies.
  
  
  System Configuration: If this error occurs frequently and is causing issues, it may be worth reviewing the system configuration with your SAP administrator to ensure that the settings align with your business processes.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Document Date: This is typically the date on the invoice from the vendor.
  Posting Date: This is the date when the transaction is recorded in the SAP system, which can affect financial reporting and accounting periods.
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any specific patches or updates related to this error message, as there may be known issues or fixes provided by SAP.
  User Training: Ensure that users entering invoices are trained on the importance of correctly entering document and posting dates to avoid this error in the future.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the FIN_SUB_VAL021 error and successfully process the vendor invoice.