How To Fix VF851 - You cannot use billing type &1 for preliminary billing documents.

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: VF - Billing

• Message number: 851

• Message text: You cannot use billing type &1 for preliminary billing documents.

Self-Explanatory Message

Since SAP believes that this specific error message is 'self-explanatory,' no more information has been given.The majority of messages in the SAP system have a message text, however this is frequently insufficient to comprehend or resolve the problem.

To make things easier, more detailed information is frequently added to describe the issue, how to fix it, and the necessary steps or configuration modifications.

Unfortunately, there isn't any extra information in this error notice.

What else can you do?

First, use our AnswerBot below to get a possible cause and solution (requires a premium subscription).

Also, review the in-depth Common Questions & Answers listed below; you could discover a solution there or be able to connect with others who have faced similar challenges.

You can also try searching the SAP support portal (support.sap.com) but you need a special user ID to access it. It is possible that an SAP support note exists that provides additional details about the mistake or even steps for fixing it.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message VF851 - You cannot use billing type &1 for preliminary billing documents. ?

  The SAP error message VF851 indicates that the billing type you are trying to use is not allowed for preliminary billing documents. This error typically occurs when you attempt to create a billing document using a billing type that is not configured to support preliminary billing.
  Cause:
  The primary cause of this error is that the billing type you are using is not set up in the system to allow for preliminary billing documents. In SAP, billing types are configured with specific settings that determine how they can be used, including whether they can be used for preliminary billing.
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, you can take the following steps:
  
  
  Check Billing Type Configuration:
  
  Go to the SAP transaction code VOTXN or SPRO to access the configuration settings for billing types.
  Navigate to Sales and Distribution > Billing > Billing Documents > Define Billing Types.
  Find the billing type that you are trying to use (indicated by &1 in the error message).
  Check the settings for the billing type to see if it is configured to allow preliminary billing. Look for a checkbox or setting related to "Preliminary Billing" or similar.
  
  
  
  Modify Billing Type Settings:
  
  If the billing type is not configured for preliminary billing, you may need to modify its settings. You can enable the preliminary billing option if it is appropriate for your business process.
  Save the changes after modifying the settings.
  
  
  
  Use an Appropriate Billing Type:
  
  If modifying the existing billing type is not an option, consider using a different billing type that is already configured to allow preliminary billing.
  
  
  
  Consult Documentation or Support:
  
  If you are unsure about the changes or the implications of modifying billing type settings, consult your SAP documentation or reach out to your SAP support team for assistance.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Billing Types: In SAP, billing types define how billing documents are processed and can include settings for pricing, taxes, and document flow.
  Preliminary Billing: This is a type of billing document that is typically used for interim billing or to provide a preliminary invoice before the final billing document is created.
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as VF01 (Create Billing Document), VF02 (Change Billing Document), and VF03 (Display Billing Document) for working with billing documents.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the VF851 error and successfully create the necessary billing documents.