What is a credit note?
A credit note is the correct way to correct or cancel an invoice that's already been sent, without breaking the requirement for sequential invoice numbering.
Why can't I just delete the invoice?
Under Swedish bookkeeping law, invoice numbers must be sequential and unique, a number can never be reused or simply disappear from the books. If you've already sent an invoice with the wrong amount, the wrong customer, or one that needs to be cancelled for another reason, you instead create a credit note, an invoice with a negative amount that references the original invoice and zeroes it out in the accounts.
Common situations where a credit note is needed
The most common reasons are: the wrong amount or VAT rate on the original invoice, the customer returned goods or made a complaint after purchase, the invoice was sent to the wrong customer, or an agreement changed afterward and the price needs adjusting. In all these cases, a credit note is the traceable way to make the correction.
Partial credit notes
A credit note doesn't always have to match the full original amount. If only one line item out of several was wrong, you can credit just that part, while the rest of the invoice remains paid or unpaid as normal.
Frequently asked questions
Does the credit note need its own invoice number?
Yes, a credit note is its own invoice within the sequential numbering, but it should clearly reference which original invoice it corrects.
Does a credit note affect my VAT reporting?
Yes, the credit reduces the output VAT for the period it's recorded in, the same way a regular invoice increases it.
Can I create a credit note for an invoice that's already been paid?
Yes. If the customer has already paid and the amount needs correcting, you handle the refund separately, the credit note only corrects the bookkeeping and the invoiced amount.
More guides
Create credit notes in a few clicks
FakturaKlar automatically links the credit note to the right original invoice.
Try it free