How To Fix HRTMC_BASIS503 - February 29 must be entered instead of February 28

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: HRTMC_BASIS - Message Class for Talent Management Core (HCM_TMC)

• Message number: 503

• Message text: February 29 must be entered instead of February 28

What causes this issue?

If a period ends on February 28, and the next period starts on March 1,
leap years are not covered completely.

System Response

The system issues an error message and will not allow you to continue with this transaction until the error is resolved.

How to fix this error?

Procedure for System Administrators

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message HRTMC_BASIS503 - February 29 must be entered instead of February 28 ?

  The SAP error message HRTMC_BASIS503, which states "February 29 must be entered instead of February 28," typically occurs in the context of handling dates in a leap year. This error is specifically related to the handling of dates in the SAP system when the year in question is a leap year, and February has 29 days instead of the usual 28.
  Cause:
  The error arises when a user attempts to enter a date of February 28 in a leap year (e.g., 2020, 2024) where the system expects February 29 to be entered instead. This can happen in various modules, such as time management or payroll, where date validation is strict.
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, you should:
  
  
  Check the Year: Confirm that the year you are working with is indeed a leap year. Leap years are those divisible by 4, except for end-of-century years, which must be divisible by 400.
  
  
  Enter the Correct Date: If you are in a leap year, change the date from February 28 to February 29. This is the correct date for leap years.
  
  
  Review Date Logic in Custom Programs: If this error occurs in a custom program or report, review the logic that handles date inputs. Ensure that it correctly accounts for leap years.
  
  
  Consult Documentation: If you are unsure about the date handling in your specific SAP module, refer to the SAP documentation or help resources for guidance on date formats and leap year handling.
  
  
  System Configuration: If the issue persists, it may be necessary to check the system configuration or consult with your SAP Basis or technical team to ensure that the date handling is set up correctly.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Leap Year Calculation: A leap year occurs every 4 years, but years divisible by 100 are not leap years unless they are also divisible by 400.
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that may address this specific error or provide additional context or fixes.
  Testing: If you are developing or testing in a sandbox environment, ensure that you test date-related functionalities around leap years to avoid similar issues in production.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the HRTMC_BASIS503 error and ensure that your date entries are accurate.