What it means
The payment reference (BT-83) is the text the buyer puts on the bank transfer so that the payment can be matched to the invoice. The check counts it in the payment section of the invoice and fails when there is more than one.
Why it matters
The reference is how the payment on a bank statement is matched to the invoice. Two references leave the buyer without a clear one to quote, so the invoice is rejected.
How to fix it
In your invoicing software, look for the payment reference or remittance information. Keep one, normally the invoice number, and delete the rest. If the reference is built from a template, check that the template does not add it twice.
The rule as published
Payment reference (BT-83) shall occur at most once in the document. Business terms: BT-83
Where this rule applies
| Rule set | Version |
|---|---|
| EN 16931 (CII) | 1.3.17 |
| XRechnung 3.0 (CII) | 3.0.2 |
| 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 |
| NLCIUS (CII) | 1.0.3.13 |
| France CTC (CII) | 1.4.0-04 |
Check your file
Drop your e-invoice to see whether CII-SR-469 still fails, and which other rules do.
Related rules
- BR-RO-L140 Payment reference must be 140 characters or fewer
- CII-SR-470 A bank transfer needs an IBAN or account number
- CII-SR-471 Each discount or charge needs a single VAT category code
- CII-SR-472 A discount or charge can have only one VAT entry
- CII-SR-473 A discount or charge may have only one amount
- CII-SR-474 A line can carry only one invoiced object identifier