---
article_id: KB0404724
article_type: FAQ
component_ids:
  - SBN-AN-FEE
component_descriptions:
  - SAP Business Network for Procurement & Supply Chain > Subscription fees
products:
  - SAP Business Network for Procurement and SAP Business Network for Supply Chain
personas:
  - Supplier
language: en
created: 2025-07-14
updated: 2025-07-14
source: Knowledge Base
url: https://support.ariba.com/item/view/KB0404724
connect_url: https://support.ariba.com/item/view/KB0404724?min=1
sap_for_me_url: https://me.sap.com/notes/KB0404724
---

# What is a valid reason to create a billing dispute?

## Symptom

What is a valid billing dispute?

## Resolution

If your billing dispute falls under any of the below reasons and meets all the necessary conditions, you can [create a dispute](https://support.ariba.com/item/view/181058) from your account for the billing team to review.

If a dispute case is created, your request will be sent to the billing team and you will be contacted by a representative.

Please note that if you do not have a valid reason, your dispute will be rejected.

**Valid Reasons to Dispute SAP Business Network Fees:**

1. **Downgrade to a lower package -** In this case, you believe there may be an error in the subscription level that your account was assigned.

**Conditions:**

- The Q1 invoice containing the subscription fee must be within 60 days of being issued.
- You must provide a confirmation email from your customer that the transactions will decrease in the new billing cycle.

**2. Transactions in error -** In this case, you may see fees associated with incorrect transactions, or the fee has been calculated incorrectly.

**Important:**

- Before you raise a dispute, [download and review the Transaction Activity Report](https://support.ariba.com/item/view/KB0399615). See [What does each column in the Transaction Activity Report mean?](https://support.ariba.com/item/view/KB0403017) for information on how to understand the report.
- Any documents that are rejected/cancelled for a specific quarter will be reconciled in the next quarter as an adjustment.

**3. Exemptions -** In this case, your company is exempt from taxes or other fees, but the fees are showing on your SAP Business Network bill.

**Conditions:**

The following exemptions will be valid with the proper certifications. [Learn how to upload a certificate](https://support.ariba.com/item/view/KB0404722) in your account.

- Certification from the SBA (Small Business Certification) or NMSDC (National Minority Supplier Development Council) – valid for small company, a HUBZone company or an entity.
- Certification from WBENC (Women's Business Enterprise National Council) or National Women Business Owners Corporation Network.
- Certification that the Buyer is a federal, state, or local government agency, or a 501(c)(3) organization under U.S. laws.
- [Tax exemption](https://support.ariba.com/item/view/KB0402613).

**Important:**

- The certificates must cover the invoice’s date. Invoices created outside of the valid certification dates won’t be credited.
- The buyer relationship must qualify for the exemption.
- We do not have an exemption for suppliers that are a 501(c)(3) organization.

**4. Expire/Delete Account -** You would like to delete your SAP Business Network account.

**Conditions:**

- No due invoices in your account.
- If you have just one invoice due in the account for the subscription package, it can be credited as a one-time concession in order to close the account.
- Expirations must be requested by the account administrator.
- Buyers must be aware of the intent to close the account.
- Ensure that all credit cards have been removed from the account.
- All customer trading relationships must be rejected in both the Production and Test accounts.