Difference Between Cancellation and Refund of a Fiscal Receipt in Serbia
Simple explanation of the difference between cancellation and refund of a fiscal receipt in Serbia. Learn how to recognize the difference through the Buyer ID field and avoid mistakes in turnover and tax reporting.
Difference Between Cancellation and Refund of a Fiscal Receipt
Section titled “Difference Between Cancellation and Refund of a Fiscal Receipt”At first glance – the document looks the same.
But in the tax system, the difference is significant.
And this is where confusion begins.
What is a CANCELLATION?
Section titled “What is a CANCELLATION?”A cancellation means that the entire receipt is voided as if it never happened.
This is done when:
- a mistake was made
- the customer immediately changes their mind
- the cashier entered the receipt incorrectly
For the tax system:
- The receipt was technically issued
- It is marked as cancelled
- The seller does not pay tax on that receipt
Simply put: the mistake was corrected and there are no additional obligations.
What is a REFUND?
Section titled “What is a REFUND?”A refund means that the sale was valid, but the goods are returned and the money is given back to the customer.
This happens when:
- the customer returns the goods later
- the owner accepts the return
- the money is paid back to the customer
For the tax system:
- The original sale existed
- A financial reversal is now recorded
- It affects turnover and cash records
A refund impacts turnover and must be properly recorded.
Where Does the Problem Arise?
Section titled “Where Does the Problem Arise?”On the fiscal document, there is almost no visible difference.
On paper, both documents often display “Refund”.
The customer cannot recognize the difference.
Even many sellers do not know what they are actually looking at.
How to Actually Recognize the Difference
Section titled “How to Actually Recognize the Difference”The difference is hidden in the field:
Buyer ID
Section titled “Buyer ID”This is the key.
If the Buyer ID field contains:
Section titled “If the Buyer ID field contains:”10:SELLER’S TAX ID (PIB)
Section titled “10:SELLER’S TAX ID (PIB)”(This means the Tax ID of the company that issued the receipt.)
This is actually a CANCELLATION
Even though the document says “Refund”.
Empty Buyer ID field
Section titled “Empty Buyer ID field”Refund to a customer (most common case).
10:Buyer’s Tax ID (PIB)
Section titled “10:Buyer’s Tax ID (PIB)”Refund to another company (B2B return).
11:Personal ID number
Section titled “11:Personal ID number”Refund to a registered agricultural household (which does not have a Tax ID).
The Simplest Explanation
Section titled “The Simplest Explanation”| Situation | Meaning | How to Recognize |
|---|---|---|
| Cancellation | Receipt voided due to mistake | Buyer ID = 10:Seller’s Tax ID |
| Refund | Goods returned, money returned | Buyer ID empty or Buyer’s Tax ID |
Why Is It Important for Sellers to Know This?
Section titled “Why Is It Important for Sellers to Know This?”- Cancellation and refund are not the same in the tax system
- They have different consequences in turnover reporting
- Misunderstanding can cause issues during inspections
- On paper, they look almost identical
Conclusion
Section titled “Conclusion”If on a refund document you see:
10:Your company’s Tax ID → it is a cancellation.
If the field is empty or contains the buyer’s Tax ID → it is a refund.
Visually identical.
Technically very different.