BR-DEC-20:VAT tax amount: max 2 decimals
Fix: Invoice Navigator automatically fixes this issue by correcting the `cbc:TaxAmount` element in your Invoice (BR-DEC-20). Upload your invoice to fix this automatically.
TaxSubtotal/TaxAmount allows maximum 2 decimal places.
Engine Classification
Round VAT category tax amount to 2 decimal places per EN16931
Confidence: 95% · Applied automatically in pipeline
What is BR-DEC-20?
BR-DEC-20 is a fatal validation rule defined in the EN 16931 specification. It validates the TaxAmount element under TaxSubtotal in the UBL invoice XML.
When this rule fires, the invoice is rejected by Peppol access points and never reaches the buyer.
Target path: //cac:TaxTotal/cac:TaxSubtotal/cbc:TaxAmount
Why This Error Matters
Invoice will be rejected by validation. VAT amounts must have proper precision for tax compliance and reporting.
BR-DEC-20 is a hard failure — the invoice must be corrected and re-sent before it can reach the recipient.
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-20
- ·Specification: EN 16931
How to Fix It
Check tax amount
Each TaxSubtotal/TaxAmount
Round
May cause minor discrepancy with rate × base
Before / After
<cac:TaxSubtotal> <cbc:TaxAmount>100.123456</cbc:TaxAmount> <!-- Too many decimal places --> </cac:TaxSubtotal>
<cac:TaxSubtotal> <cbc:TaxAmount>100.00</cbc:TaxAmount> <!-- Correct decimal places --> </cac:TaxSubtotal>
Technical Reference
//cac:TaxTotal/cac:TaxSubtotal/cbc:TaxAmountCommon Causes
- ·Tax rate calculation produced extra decimals
- ·Percentage of taxable amount created excess precision
- ·ERP exports calculated tax with full precision
- ·Rounding not applied after tax calculation
- ·Multiple sub-calculations summed without rounding
Seeing this in production? The API handles BR-DEC-20 automatically. See the fix response →
Frequently Asked Questions
TaxSubtotal/TaxAmount allows maximum 2 decimal places.
Round calculated VAT to 2 decimals. You can also use Invoice Navigator's automatic Fixer tool to correct this instantly.
Yes, BR-DEC-20 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-20 can be automatically corrected using Invoice Navigator's Fixer tool. Upload your invoice and the tool will identify and fix common issues, including vat tax amount: max 2 decimals.
Related Errors
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Last updated: 27 February 2026
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