A correction note is a document issued by the purchaser of goods or services to correct specific errors on a received invoice. It is used to correct formal errors that do not affect the value of the transaction or the amount of VAT.
Errors that can be corrected with a correction note:
Identification data of the parties to the transaction:
- Names and surnames or names of the taxpayer and purchaser and their addresses.
- Taxpayer Identification Numbers (NIP) and buyer.
Other formal data:
- Date of invoice issue.
- Sequential invoice number.
- The date of delivery or completion of delivery of goods or services, if different from the invoice issue date.
- Name (type) of good or service.
Errors that cannot be corrected with a correction note:
A correction note cannot be used to correct the data specified in Article 106e paragraph 1 points 8–15 of the VAT Act, such as:
- The measure and quantity (number) of goods delivered or the scope of services performed.
- Unit price of a good or service excluding tax (net unit price).
- The value of the goods delivered or services performed covered by the transaction, excluding the amount of tax (net sales value).
- Tax rate.
- The sum of net sales values broken down by individual tax rates and tax-exempt.
- The tax amount from the sum of the net sales value, broken down into amounts relating to individual tax rates.
- Total amount due.
Correction of the above data requires the issuance of a corrective invoice by the seller.
Limitations regarding the correction note:
A correction note cannot completely change the buyer’s data on the invoice. The purpose of a correction note is to rectify the data concerning a specific taxpayer listed on the invoice, and not to completely change the entity participating in the transaction.
Procedure for issuing a correction note:
The corrective note should include:
Elements of a correction note:
- The word “CORRECTION NOTE”.
- Sequence number and date of issue.
- Names and surnames or names of the taxpayer and the purchaser of goods or services and their addresses and identification numbers (NIP).
Data included in the invoice to which the correction note relates:
- Date of issue.
- Sequential invoice number.
- Names and surnames or names of the taxpayer and purchaser and their addresses.
- Taxpayer and buyer identification numbers (NIP).
- The date of delivery or completion of delivery of goods or services, if such a date is specified and is different from the invoice issue date.
- Indication of the content of the corrected information and the correct content.
According to Article 106k, paragraph 2 of the Act on Tax on Goods and Services (VAT), a correction note issued by the buyer requires the acceptance of the invoice issuer. However, the regulations do not specify the form or deadline for such acceptance, which means that it can be granted in any way, e.g. by return e-mail.
Lack of acceptance of the correction note and VAT deduction:
In a situation where the seller does not accept the correction note, the buyer still has the right to deduct VAT from the received invoice. This is possible because the correction note is used to correct formal errors that do not affect the value of the transaction or the amount of tax. Acceptance of the correction note by the invoice issuer is required, but the regulations do not specify the form or deadline for such acceptance. Lack of acceptance does not prevent the buyer from deducting VAT from the invoice to which the correction note relates.
Summary:
A correction note is a tool that allows the buyer to correct formal errors on the received invoice. In the case of errors affecting the value of the transaction or the amount of tax, it is necessary for the seller to issue a correction invoice. Acceptance of the correction note by the seller is required, but the regulations do not specify its form or deadline.
