BR-DEC-19:VAT taxable amount: max 2 decimals
The allowed maximum number of decimals for the VAT category taxable amount (BT-116) is 2. This applies to the `cbc:TaxableAmount` element in the invoice XML.
Engine Classification
Round VAT category taxable amount to 2 decimal places per EN16931
Confidence: 95% · Applied automatically in pipeline
What is BR-DEC-19?
BR-DEC-19 is a fatal validation rule defined in the EN 16931 specification. It validates the TaxableAmount element under TaxSubtotal in the UBL invoice XML.
When this rule fires, the invoice is non-compliant and will be rejected by Peppol access points and national validation services. The sending system receives a rejection response and the invoice does not reach the buyer.
Target path: //cac:TaxTotal/cac:TaxSubtotal/cbc:TaxableAmount
Why This Error Matters
Invoice will be rejected by validation. VAT taxable amounts must have proper precision for accurate tax calculation and reporting.
BR-DEC-19 is a hard failure. Invoices that trigger this rule are rejected at the access point and never reach the recipient. In Peppol networks, this means your sending system receives an MLR (Message Level Response) with a rejection status. The invoice must be corrected and re-sent, adding delay to your payment cycle.
Invoice Navigator can automatically correct this error in your pipeline. The fix is applied with full audit evidence, so your compliance trail remains intact.
Validator Behavior
- ·Causes invoice rejection
- ·Error returned: BR-DEC-19
- ·Specification: EN 16931
How to Fix It
Check each TaxSubtotal
TaxableAmount precision
Round
Round before calculating tax
Before / After
<cac:TaxSubtotal> <cbc:TaxableAmount>100.123456</cbc:TaxableAmount> <!-- Too many decimal places --> </cac:TaxSubtotal>
<cac:TaxSubtotal> <cbc:TaxableAmount>100.00</cbc:TaxableAmount> <!-- Correct decimal places --> </cac:TaxSubtotal>
Technical Reference
//cac:TaxTotal/cac:TaxSubtotal/cbc:TaxableAmountCommon Causes
- ·Sum of line amounts in category produced extra decimals
- ·Allowance/charge adjustments created excess precision
- ·ERP VAT breakdown calculation preserves full precision
- ·Category amounts not rounded before VAT calculation
- ·Multiple line amounts summed without rounding
Seeing this in production? The API handles BR-DEC-19 automatically. See the fix response →
Frequently Asked Questions
TaxSubtotal/TaxableAmount allows max 2 decimal places.
Round VAT base to 2 decimals. You can also use Invoice Navigator's automatic Fixer tool to correct this instantly.
Yes, BR-DEC-19 is a critical error that will cause invoice rejection. It must be fixed before submission to ensure your invoice is accepted by the recipient's system.
Many instances of BR-DEC-19 can be automatically corrected using Invoice Navigator's Fixer tool. Upload your invoice and the tool will identify and fix common issues, including vat taxable amount: max 2 decimals.
See Also
Related Errors
Last updated: 27 February 2026
Handle BR-DEC-19 Automatically in Your Pipeline
The compliance engine auto-remediates this error with controlled safety policies and evidence pack generation.