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Error

FX-SCH-A-000278: Each line must have exactly one set of VAT details

In short

Error: fails the selected checks.

FX-SCH-A-000278 means a line's ram:SpecifiedLineTradeSettlement has no VAT details block (ram:ApplicableTradeTax), or has more than one. Keep one block with the correct VAT category and a rate where applicable, then export and recheck.

On this page

What it means

Each ram:SpecifiedLineTradeSettlement must contain exactly one ram:ApplicableTradeTax. This block carries the VAT category (BT-151) and, where applicable, the VAT rate (BT-152). The rule counts tax blocks; it does not check the tax treatment itself. It applies to the Basic and EN 16931 profiles of Factur-X and ZUGFeRD.

Why it matters

The line's VAT details contribute to the invoice's VAT breakdown. Missing or repeated tax blocks do not match the required line structure.

How to fix it

Check the affected line's VAT category and rate where applicable. In XML, keep one ram:ApplicableTradeTax inside ram:SpecifiedLineTradeSettlement, with type code VAT and the correct tax details. Do not add a rate where the category prohibits one. If a line genuinely covers different VAT treatments, split it into appropriate lines rather than repeating tax blocks. Export again and recheck.

Once the file is corrected, check it again for free: Validate a ZUGFeRD invoice

Or fix the invoice in a form and download the corrected file, for 1 credit: Fix a rejected e-invoice Beta

The rule as published

Element 'ram:ApplicableTradeTax' must occur exactly 1 times.

Where this rule applies

Rule set Version
Factur-X 1.09 BASIC 1.0.9-2
Factur-X 1.09 EN 16931 1.0.9-2
ZUGFeRD 2.5 BASIC 2.5.2
ZUGFeRD 2.5 EN 16931 2.5.2
Rule text from phive-rules 4.6.4.

Check your file

Drop your e-invoice to see whether FX-SCH-A-000278 still fails, and which other rules do.

Updated 6 November 2026