If you have transactions in AvaTax that no longer need processing, such as test records or entries that don't match your business application, you can mark them as voided. This article walks you through voiding transactions in AvaTax and understanding how voided transactions are handled.
Quick answer
- Go to Transactions > Transactions in AvaTax, locate the transaction, and select Change status > VOIDED.
- After you save and refresh the page, the DOC STATUS column for that transaction will show Voided.
- Voided transactions do not appear in tax calculations or on tax returns, but you can still see them in reports by filtering Document status as Voided.
- Voiding a transaction counts as a modification and affects your AvaTax usage.
Who should void a transaction
Account administrators void transactions to exclude them from processing. Common situations include:
- Test transactions sent while setting up AvaTax or an integration.
- Duplicate entries that should not be counted toward your filing.
- Transactions created in error that do not reflect actual sales.
You cannot delete transactions in AvaTax because the system retains all records for audit purposes. Voiding is the correct method to mark a transaction so it is no longer processed.
Before you void a transaction
You must have account administrator permissions in AvaTax to void transactions. If you do not see the Change status option, confirm your role with the account owner.
How to void a single transaction in AvaTax
Locate the transaction
- From the Avalara Home screen, go to Transactions > Transactions.
- Use the filters at the top to search for the transaction. You can filter by date range, document code, customer name, or document status.
- Select the transaction to open the detail view.
Change the status to voided
- In the transaction detail view, select Change status.
- From the dropdown, select VOIDED.
- Select Save.
Verify the result
After you save, refresh the page. The DOC STATUS column will now display Voided. You can confirm by filtering the Transactions list with Document status set to Voided.
How voided transactions are handled
Once you void a transaction, it is excluded from:
- Tax calculations for future transactions or reconciliation.
- Tax calculations and AvaTax reports.
- Tax returns filed through AvaTax or Avalara Returns.
Voided transactions can still be seen in reports by filtering Document status as Voided, allowing you to keep records for audit purposes without affecting compliance filings.
Voiding a transaction affects your AvaTax usage
AvaTax counts voiding a transaction as a modification. This impacts your AvaTax usage the same way updating a transaction does. If you are close to your monthly transaction limit, be aware that voiding records will count toward that limit.
Voiding multiple transactions at once
To void several transactions, use Avalara's import template. Download the template and add each transaction. Set the ProcessCode column to 0 for each transaction.
Required fields in the import file:
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| ProcessCode | Set to 0 to void the transaction |
| DocCode | Must match the DocCode in AvaTax exactly |
| DocType | The document type, such as SalesInvoice |
| CompanyCode | Find in AvaTax under Settings > All settings |
All other fields are optional. After you complete the import, AvaTax will mark each transaction as voided.
Expert tip: Check voided transactions in your reports afterward
After you void transactions, verify they appear when you filter Document status to Voided in the Transactions list. This confirms the void succeeded and lets you keep audit records without the transactions affecting your tax returns or calculations.
How Galvix can help with transaction reconciliation and filing
Voiding a duplicate or incorrect transaction in AvaTax removes it from tax returns, but it doesn't update the corresponding record in your accounting or business application. When you're correcting multiple transactions, someone still needs to make sure the remaining records match before filing.
Galvix's compliance team can handle that ongoing reconciliation work. The team works with transaction data from your sales and accounting systems, reconciles records, and prepares and files sales tax returns after your approval. This helps reduce the time your finance team spends checking discrepancies and preparing filing data.
If reconciling transaction records is becoming a regular part of your filing process, book a demo to see how Galvix can help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I delete a transaction instead of voiding it?
No. AvaTax does not allow you to delete transactions because all records are saved for audit purposes. Voiding is the only method to exclude a transaction from processing while keeping the record in the system.
Will voiding a transaction in AvaTax update my business application?
No. Changes in AvaTax do not sync to your business application automatically. If you void a transaction in AvaTax, you must also update or void the corresponding record in your ERP, ecommerce platform, or accounting system.
How do I find voided transactions in reports?
In the Transactions list, use the filter options and set Document status to Voided. Voided transactions appear in results but are excluded from standard tax reports and returns unless you explicitly filter to include them.
Can I unvoid a transaction after I mark it as voided?
AvaTax does not provide a direct "unvoid" action in the web app. If you voided a transaction by mistake, you can create a new transaction with the same details or adjust the status using the API if your integration supports it.
What is the difference between voiding and deleting a transaction?
Voiding marks a transaction so it is excluded from processing but keeps the record in AvaTax for audit purposes. Deleting removes the transaction entirely. AvaTax does not allow deletion through the web app because all records must be retained.
