Invoice Reference Number (IRN)
A unique identifier generated for each compliant e-invoice submission.
What It Means
IRN is the immutable reference used to track an invoice across creation, validation, transmission, and audit workflows. It is the primary lookup key for status and dispute resolution.
Why It Matters
Finance teams use IRNs to prove submission and reconcile invoice status with tax and ERP records.
Related Terms
FIRS Validation
Rule checks that confirm invoice payloads meet required schema and compliance constraints before acceptance.
Universal Business Language (UBL)
A standardized XML document format used for structured e-invoices and related documents.
Continuous Transaction Controls (CTC)
A regulatory model where invoice data is checked or reported in near real-time to tax authorities.
FAQ
Is IRN the same as an internal invoice number?
No. Your internal invoice number is business-facing, while IRN is the compliance reference generated for regulatory workflow tracking.
Can I change an IRN after submission?
No. If invoice details change materially, issue a correction flow (such as credit note/debit note) instead of editing an IRN-linked record.