> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.aourly.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Credit Notes Explained (Kreditfaktura)

> What credit notes are, when you need them, and how they work under Swedish invoicing rules.

<Warning>
  This information is for general guidance only. Regulations may change.
  Always consult Skatteverket or a certified accountant for advice specific to your situation.
</Warning>

Mistakes happen. You might send an invoice with the wrong amount, the wrong VAT rate, or for work that was cancelled. In Sweden, you cannot simply edit or delete a sent invoice -- you need to issue a credit note. This guide explains what credit notes are, when to use them, and how they work.

## What Is a Credit Note?

A credit note (kreditfaktura) is a document that fully or partially reverses a previously issued invoice. Think of it as a "negative invoice" -- it reduces the amount the client owes you.

Credit notes are legally required whenever you need to correct or cancel a sent invoice. They ensure that your bookkeeping remains accurate and that VAT is reported correctly.

## When Do You Need a Credit Note?

You should issue a credit note when:

* **You made an error** on the original invoice (wrong amount, wrong VAT rate, wrong description)
* **Work was cancelled** or partially cancelled after the invoice was sent
* **A discount was agreed** after the invoice was issued
* **Goods were returned** by the client
* **The client disputes** the invoice and you agree to reduce the amount

## Legal Requirements

Under the Mervardeskattelagen (ML) and Skatteverket's guidelines, a credit note must contain:

| Field                             | Description                                                             |
| --------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **"Kreditfaktura" marking**       | The document must be clearly identified as a credit note                |
| **Credit note number**            | A unique, sequential number (can be from a separate series)             |
| **Credit note date**              | The date the credit note is issued                                      |
| **Reference to original invoice** | The invoice number being credited -- this is mandatory                  |
| **Seller's details**              | Name, address, organization number, VAT number                          |
| **Buyer's details**               | Name and address                                                        |
| **Description**                   | What is being credited and why                                          |
| **Amounts**                       | The credited amount, typically shown as negative values                 |
| **VAT**                           | The VAT amount being reversed, at the same rate as the original invoice |

The most important requirement is the **reference to the original invoice number**. Without this reference, the document is not a valid credit note.

## How Credit Notes Affect Your Bookkeeping

When you issue a credit note, it creates bookkeeping entries that are the reverse of the original invoice:

### Example

You sent invoice #2026-015 for 10,000 SEK + 2,500 SEK VAT (25%) = 12,500 SEK total.

You then realize the amount should have been 8,000 SEK. You issue a credit note for the full original invoice and then create a new correct invoice.

**Credit note entries:**

* Accounts receivable: -12,500 SEK (reduces what the client owes)
* Revenue: -10,000 SEK (reduces your reported income)
* Output VAT: -2,500 SEK (reduces VAT you owe to Skatteverket)

**New invoice entries:**

* Accounts receivable: +10,000 SEK (8,000 + 2,000 VAT)
* Revenue: +8,000 SEK
* Output VAT: +2,000 SEK

## Full Credit vs. Partial Credit

### Full credit note

Credits the entire original invoice. Use this when:

* The entire invoice was wrong and needs to be replaced
* The work was completely cancelled
* You need to reissue the invoice to a different client

After issuing a full credit note, you typically create a new correct invoice.

### Partial credit note

Credits only part of the original invoice. Use this when:

* Only one line item was wrong
* A partial discount was agreed
* Part of the work was cancelled

A partial credit note references the original invoice but only reverses the specific amount that needs correcting.

## The Correct Process

Here is the step-by-step process for correcting an invoice:

1. **Identify the error** on the sent invoice
2. **Create a credit note** referencing the original invoice number
3. **Send the credit note** to the client
4. **Create a new invoice** (if applicable) with the correct information
5. **Both documents** (credit note and new invoice) are recorded in your bookkeeping

In Aourly, this process is streamlined. You can create a credit note directly from the original invoice, and Aourly automatically fills in the reference and amounts.

## Why You Cannot Delete Sent Invoices

Swedish bookkeeping law (Bokforingslagen) requires that:

* All business documents are preserved
* Invoice numbers are sequential with no gaps
* The audit trail is unbroken

Deleting an invoice would create a gap in the number series and break the audit trail. This is why the credit note mechanism exists -- it allows you to correct errors while maintaining a complete and accurate record of all transactions.

## VAT Implications

Credit notes directly affect your VAT reporting:

* The VAT on the credit note **reduces your output VAT** (utgaende moms) for the reporting period
* Your client's **input VAT** (ingaende moms) is also reduced
* Both parties must account for the credit note in their momsdeklaration

This is why it is important that credit notes have the correct VAT rate -- it must match the rate on the original invoice.

## Summary

* A credit note (kreditfaktura) reverses all or part of a sent invoice
* You must never delete or edit a sent invoice -- always use a credit note
* Credit notes must reference the original invoice number
* They reverse the bookkeeping and VAT entries of the original invoice
* The process is: credit the original, then issue a new correct invoice if needed
* Aourly simplifies this by letting you create credit notes directly from the original invoice

<Warning>You must never delete or edit a sent invoice. Swedish law requires sequential invoice numbers with no gaps. Always use a credit note to correct a sent invoice.</Warning>

<Tip>A credit note must always reference the original invoice number. Without this reference, it is not a valid credit note.</Tip>

## Frequently Asked Questions

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Can I just delete the wrong invoice and create a new one?">
    No. Once an invoice has been sent (or entered into your bookkeeping), it cannot be deleted. Swedish bookkeeping law requires that all issued invoices remain in the records. You must issue a credit note instead.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Does a credit note need its own number?">
    Yes. A credit note gets its own sequential number, typically from a separate number series. It is a separate document in your bookkeeping.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="What if the client already paid the original invoice?">
    Issue the credit note as usual. The client then has a credit balance that can be applied to a future invoice, or you refund the overpayment.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

<Note>
  **Sources:** [Skatteverket - Kreditfaktura](https://www.skatteverket.se), [BFN - Bokföringsnämnden](https://www.bfn.se), [Mervärdesskattelagen (ML)](https://www.riksdagen.se/sv/dokument-och-lagar/dokument/svensk-forfattningssamling/mervardesskattlag-2023200_sfs-2023-200/)
</Note>