How To Fix M8551 - Invoice document contains too many different tax codes

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: M8 - Invoice Verification/Valuation

• Message number: 551

• Message text: Invoice document contains too many different tax codes

What causes this issue?

You attempted to enter or process an invoice in which more than &V1& tax
codes are contained in the items. Invoice Verification only supports a
maximum of &V1& tax codes per invoice.

System Response

The system refuses to allow you to enter or process the invoice.

How to fix this error?

Check the original invoice from the supplier.
If the original invoice only contains &V1& tax codes, the system
assigned wrong tax codes to the invoice items. Check the invoice items
in the system and change any wrong tax codes. Also check the purchase
orders to which the invoice refers. A wrong assignment was probably made
in the purchase order(s). If this is the case, change the info records.

If the original invoice contains more than &V1& tax codes, the invoice
cannot be posted in Logistics Invoice Verification. You must post the
invoice in the classical Invoice Verification component.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message M8551 - Invoice document contains too many different tax codes ?

  The SAP error message M8551, which states "Invoice document contains too many different tax codes," typically occurs when an invoice document includes a number of different tax codes that exceeds the system's predefined limit. This limit is set to ensure that the system can efficiently process tax calculations and reporting.
  Cause:
  
  Excessive Tax Codes: The invoice contains more tax codes than the system allows. This can happen if multiple items on the invoice are subject to different tax rates or if there are many tax codes due to various jurisdictions.
  Configuration Settings: The maximum number of tax codes allowed in a single document is defined in the system configuration. If the invoice exceeds this limit, the error will be triggered.
  Complex Invoicing Scenarios: Invoices that involve multiple line items with different tax treatments (e.g., different products or services that are taxed differently) can lead to this issue.
  
  Solution:
  
  Review the Invoice: Check the invoice to see how many different tax codes are being used. If there are unnecessary tax codes, consider consolidating them if possible.
  Split the Invoice: If the invoice legitimately requires multiple tax codes, consider splitting the invoice into multiple documents, each containing fewer tax codes.
  Configuration Adjustment: If your business processes require a higher number of tax codes, you may need to adjust the configuration settings in SAP. This typically involves:
  
  Accessing the configuration settings in the SAP system (transaction code SPRO).
  Navigating to the relevant area for tax configuration.
  Increasing the limit for the number of tax codes allowed in a single document. Note that this should be done with caution and ideally in consultation with your SAP Basis or configuration team.
  
  
  Consult Documentation: Review SAP documentation or consult with your SAP support team for specific guidance on how to handle tax codes in your version of SAP.
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that may provide additional insights or updates regarding this error message.
  Tax Code Management: Familiarize yourself with how tax codes are managed in your SAP system, including how they are defined and assigned to different products or services.
  Testing: After making any changes, ensure to test the invoicing process to confirm that the issue has been resolved and that the system behaves as expected.
  
  If the problem persists after trying the above solutions, it may be beneficial to reach out to SAP support for further assistance.