Hyvityslaskuun

Hyvityslaskuun, or hyvityslasku, is a document issued by a seller to a buyer to correct or cancel all or part of a previously issued invoice. It is used when goods are returned, a price adjustment or discount is granted after the original invoice, or an error was found in the original billing. The credit note reduces the revenue and, if applicable, the VAT payable.

A hyvityslasku typically contains: the date and a unique credit note number, a reference to the original invoice number, the seller’s and buyer’s identifying details, a description of the affected goods or services, the amount of the credit (negative value where appropriate), VAT information if VAT was charged, the reason for the adjustment, and the net and total amounts. The document should clearly indicate the amount being credited and be linked to the corresponding original invoice.

Tax and accounting: In Finnish practice, a credit note adjusts both the seller’s reported revenue and the buyer’s input VAT. If VAT has already been reported, the credit note must be accounted for in the appropriate VAT return or accounting period as an adjustment. Retention: Accounting documents, including hyvityslaskut, should be kept for at least six years in Finland.

Delivery and format: Hyvityslaskut can be issued in paper or electronic form. In electronic invoicing regimes, the credit note is typically linked to the original invoice in the accounting system and uses traceable digital identifiers to ensure proper reconciliation.