FB08 Tcode in SAP: How to Reverse Document
Mason Garcia
⚡ Smart Summary
Document reversal in SAP uses transaction code FB08 to cancel an incorrectly posted accounting document, generate an offsetting entry, and restore account balances without deleting the original, preserving a complete and auditable financial trail.
What is Document Reversal in SAP?
Document reversal cancels an accounting document that was posted in error and creates an offsetting document that restores the affected account balances. In SAP FI, this is done with transaction code FB08, which links the reversal to the original so both can be tracked together.
Reversal is the controlled alternative to deleting a posting. A posted FI document cannot be deleted, so SAP reverses it instead, preserving a complete and auditable financial trail.
Why Reverse a Document Instead of Deleting It?
Posted documents update the general ledger and often the subledgers, so removing them would break the audit trail and the reconciliation between ledgers. Reversal keeps both the original and the offsetting entry, which auditors can follow end to end.
FB08 also lets you choose a reversal reason and posting date, so the cancellation lands in the correct, open posting period even when the original period is already closed.
Reversal Reasons and Posting Periods
A reversal reason records why a document was cancelled and controls whether SAP may use an alternative posting date. Standard reasons include:
| Reversal Reason | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 01 | Reversal in current period |
| 02 | Reversal in closed period |
| 03 | Actual reversal in current period |
| 04 | Actual reversal in closed period |
If the original period is closed, choose a reason that permits an alternative date (such as 04) so the reversal posts in the current open period.
Steps to Reverse a Document in FB08
The following steps walk through reversing an accounting document using transaction FB08 in SAP FI.
Step 1) Enter transaction code FB08 in the Command Field.
Step 2) In the next screen, enter the following data:
- Enter the Document number of the document to be reversed.
- Enter the Company Code of the document posting.
- Enter the Fiscal Year for the posting.
- Enter the Reversal Code (reason for reversal).
- Enter the posting date, or enter the posting period.
- If the document allotted a check for payment, enter the reason code to void the check.
Step 3) Check the document by pressing “Display before reversal”.
Step 4) Check the document.
Step 5) Move back to the previous screen and then press Save from the Standard Toolbar.
Step 6) Check the status bar for the reversal document number generated.
You have successfully performed a document reversal.
Verify the Reversal Document
After saving, note the new reversal document number on the status bar and display it with FB03 to confirm the offsetting entry. The original document now shows as reversed, and the customer or G/L balance returns to its pre-posting state.
