1. Line total does not match quantity × price
The most basic error: 12 units at 4.50 should be 54.00, but the line says 56.00. It may be a typo, a stale price or a quantity edited after the total was set.
2. Subtotal does not equal the sum of the lines
A line was added or removed and the subtotal was not updated. This is common in invoices edited by hand in a spreadsheet or word processor.
3. Tax calculated on the wrong amount
Tax or VAT should apply to the taxable amount, after discounts if the discount reduces the price. Applying it before the discount, or to shipping that is not taxable, produces a wrong tax line. Our VAT calculation guide has the formulas.
4. Wrong tax rate
A rate that is out of date or not the one that applies to the goods. Only you or your accountant can confirm the correct rate. We can show that the printed tax equals the printed rate applied to the printed base.
5. Discounts applied in the wrong order
A percentage discount before or after a fixed discount gives different totals. Check the order stated in your agreement against the invoice.
6. Grand total does not add up
Subtotal plus tax plus shipping minus discounts should equal the amount due. A difference here means you could pay too much or too little.
7. Missing or inconsistent details
No invoice number, no due date, or a supplier name that varies between pages. These do not change the amount but cause trouble in accounts payable.
Check your invoice for these errors
Upload an invoice and each of the checks above runs automatically. When you find a mistake, follow how to fix invoice errors or read what to do when an invoice total is wrong.