Supplier Invoice Errors: The Most Common Problems (and Fixes)
Most invoice rejections are not “complex compliance” problems. They are simple supplier invoice errors: missing identity fields, inconsistent totals, duplicates, or PDFs that cannot be processed.
Focus: structural readiness for processing — to prevent ERP rejection loops and payment delays.
Top supplier invoice errors that trigger ERP rejections
- Missing tax ID for vendor or buyer
- Missing invoice number or non-unique invoice reference
- Totals mismatch (subtotal + tax ≠ total)
- Missing buyer identity fields (name, address, tax ID)
- Duplicate invoice already submitted
- Unreadable PDF (image-based scans may return limited results)
What AP teams can do immediately
- Set supplier invoice templates with required header fields
- Enforce consistent rounding and tax calculation rules
- Require unique invoice numbering per vendor
- Prefer digital (text-based) PDFs over scanned images
- Run a structural preview before ERP submission