Validate vs post: the two steps of an FBR digital invoice
FBR digital invoicing happens in two steps. First you ask FBR to check the invoice. Then, once it passes, you post it for real. Knowing the difference saves you from a lot of avoidable errors.
What "validate" does
Validating sends your invoice data to FBR so it can be checked. FBR replies with either a clean result or a list of problems, each tied to an item with an error code and a message. Validating does not finalise anything. You can validate the same invoice as many times as you need while you correct it.
In the portal this is the Validate Only button.
What "post" does
Posting submits the invoice to FBR as a real tax document. When it succeeds, FBR returns an invoice number. The portal then builds the PDF with that number and the QR code and saves it in your invoice history. In the portal this is Validate + Post, which validates first and posts only if the check passes.
Why validate first
- It is free to be wrong. A validation error costs you a minute. A bad posted invoice is a real record that has to be corrected properly.
- You see every problem at once. Errors are listed per item, so you can fix several issues in one pass.
- Batches stay clean. With Excel upload, validating a batch first shows which invoices need attention before you post the rest.
After an invoice is posted
Treat a posted invoice as final. If something turns out to be wrong, speak to your tax adviser about the correct way to adjust it. The portal supports Debit Note and Credit Note invoice types for that purpose.
A simple routine
- Enter or upload your invoice.
- Validate and read any errors.
- Fix the data and validate again until it is clean.
- Post, then send the PDF to your customer.
Next: ten checks that prevent most rejections, or see everything the portal does on the features page.