How To Fix M8681 - All previously entered withholding tax and splitting data will be lost

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: M8 - Invoice Verification/Valuation

• Message number: 681

• Message text: All previously entered withholding tax and splitting data will be lost

What causes this issue?

The supplier number, company code or posting date has been changed.
Since withholding tax data is dependent on this data, the system must
delete all the withholding tax and splitting data entered so far and
re-determine the possible withholding tax categories and indicators.

System Response

All withholding tax and splitting data entered so far is deleted.
The necessary withholding tax categories and their categories are
re-determined. The splitting table is reset to one split amount (the
gross invoice amount).

How to fix this error?

If you have to make manual entries for the withholding tax base, the
amounts or tax already withheld, process the header data screen. Go to
this again if you have already exited it.
If you want to split the invoice amount, you must go from the header
data screen to the splitting screen and maintain the splitting data
again.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message M8681 - All previously entered withholding tax and splitting data will be lost ?

  The SAP error message M8681, which states "All previously entered withholding tax and splitting data will be lost," typically occurs in the context of financial transactions involving withholding tax in SAP. This message is a warning indicating that when you change certain data in a transaction, any previously entered withholding tax and splitting data will be cleared or lost.
  Cause:
  The error is usually triggered by one of the following actions:
  
  Changing Key Fields: Modifying key fields in a document (like vendor, amount, or tax code) that are linked to withholding tax calculations.
  Document Changes: Making changes to a document that affect the withholding tax determination, such as changing the payment method or the tax jurisdiction.
  Data Entry: Entering data in a way that conflicts with existing withholding tax data.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve this issue, consider the following steps:
  
  
  Review Changes: Before making changes to the document, review the fields you are modifying. Ensure that the changes do not affect the withholding tax data.
  
  
  Backup Data: If possible, take note of the existing withholding tax and splitting data before making changes. This way, you can re-enter it if necessary.
  
  
  Use Correct Transaction Codes: Ensure you are using the correct transaction codes for the actions you are performing. Some transactions may have specific requirements for handling withholding tax.
  
  
  Consult Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation or help resources for guidance on how to handle withholding tax data properly.
  
  
  Test in a Sandbox: If you are unsure about the changes, test them in a sandbox environment to see how the system behaves without affecting live data.
  
  
  Contact Support: If the issue persists or if you are unsure about the implications of your changes, consider reaching out to your SAP support team or consulting with an SAP expert.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Withholding Tax Configuration: Ensure that your withholding tax configuration is set up correctly in the system. This includes tax codes, tax types, and relevant settings in the Financial Accounting (FI) module.
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that might address this specific error or provide additional guidance on handling withholding tax data.
  User Training: Ensure that users who are entering or modifying financial data are trained on the implications of changes related to withholding tax.
  
  By following these steps, you can minimize the risk of losing important withholding tax data and ensure that your financial transactions are processed correctly in SAP.