What it means
Every discount on the whole invoice (BG-20) must contain the amount of the discount (BT-92). It is the amount of the discount without VAT.
Why it matters
Discounts and charges change the amount VAT is calculated on. The recipient needs the amount, the VAT category and the reason to book them correctly and to check that the VAT adds up.
How to fix it
Enter an amount for every discount in your invoicing software, or remove discounts you do not use. An empty discount row, often left over from a template, triggers this rule.
The rule as published
Each Document level allowance (BG-20) shall have a Document level allowance amount (BT-92). Business terms: BG-20, BT-92
Where this rule applies
| Rule set | Version |
|---|---|
| EN 16931 (UBL) | 1.3.17 |
| EN 16931 (UBL credit note) | 1.3.17 |
| EN 16931 (CII) | 1.3.17 |
| XRechnung 3.0 (UBL) | 3.0.2 |
| XRechnung 3.0 (UBL credit note) | 3.0.2 |
| XRechnung 3.0 (CII) | 3.0.2 |
| Peppol BIS Billing 3.0 (invoice) | 2026.5 |
| Peppol BIS Billing 3.0 (credit note) | 2026.5 |
| Factur-X 1.09 BASIC WL | 1.0.9-2 |
| Factur-X 1.09 BASIC | 1.0.9-2 |
| Factur-X 1.09 EN 16931 | 1.0.9-2 |
| Factur-X 1.09 EXTENDED | 1.0.9-2 |
| ZUGFeRD 2.5 BASIC WL | 2.5.2 |
| ZUGFeRD 2.5 BASIC | 2.5.2 |
| ZUGFeRD 2.5 EN 16931 | 2.5.2 |
| ZUGFeRD 2.5 EXTENDED | 2.5.2 |
| SI-UBL 2.0 / NLCIUS (invoice) | 2.0.3.13 |
| SI-UBL 2.0 / NLCIUS (credit note) | 2.0.3.13 |
| NLCIUS (CII) | 1.0.3.13 |
| France CTC (UBL invoice) | 1.4.0-04 |
| France CTC (UBL credit note) | 1.4.0-04 |
| France CTC (CII) | 1.4.0-04 |
| CIUS-RO UBL Invoice 1.0.9 | 1.0.9 |
| CIUS-RO UBL Credit Note 1.0.9 | 1.0.9 |
Check your file
Drop your e-invoice to see whether BR-31 still fails, and which other rules do.
Related rules
- BR-32 VAT category of the discount is required
- BR-33 Reason for a discount on the whole invoice is required
- BR-AE-01 Reverse-charge items need a matching VAT breakdown entry
- BR-AE-03 Reverse-charge invoice discounts need both VAT numbers
- BR-AE-06 Reverse-charge items must have a VAT rate of 0 (discount)
- BR-AE-08 The AE taxable amount must match the lines