Odoo is a highly configurable ERP system that enables the automation of accounting processes. However, manually modifying accounts or taxes should not be a common practice. In most cases, Odoo provides a well-organized structure and taxes adjusted to fiscal regulations. So, when is it really necessary to make these manual changes? Let's look at some scenarios where it might be justified.

When to manually create accounting accounts

• Specific accounting requirements: In some countries or industries, accounting regulations may require specific accounts that are not available by default in Odoo.
• Detailed account classification: If the predefined account structure does not meet specific financial reporting needs, additional accounts may need to be added.
• Bank or cash accounts: Odoo automatically creates an accounting account for each bank account of our company.

When not to manually create accounting accounts

• When the account already exists under another name or code.
• If the modification can be achieved through existing configurations, such as using labels or accounting groups.

When wanting to separate the entry by product type or customer/supplier. Odoo already provides a direct solution for this, so it should not be a reason. For the same reason, we should not do this when we want to separate a tax, as Odoo already offers other options to handle this.

It is important to avoid inconsistencies in the financial reports automatically generated by Odoo. For this reason, it is not recommended to create more accounts than necessary.

When to modify taxes

• Changes in tax legislation: If tax rates change in a country or region, they must be updated to comply with regulations.
• Creation of custom taxes: In certain cases, companies may require special taxes, such as environmental taxes.

When not to modify taxes

• When the preconfigured taxes in Odoo already meet fiscal requirements.
• If the tax change can be managed with an Odoo update instead of manual modifications. In general, Odoo and the OCA act quickly to add these taxes.

To avoid errors in accounting or tax declarations due to incorrect configurations, it is advisable to create all taxes through specific modules. Doing so will later allow the generation of tax reports adapted for communication with relevant authorities.

It is advisable to always use taxes automatically created by the system, as creating specific ones may later cause our tax reports to fail in generating automatic tax declarations as they should.

Best practices

• Review existing configurations before making any changes.
• Consult an accountant or Odoo expert to ensure that the modification is necessary and correct.
• Document any changes made to facilitate audits and future reviews.

Conclusion

Modifying accounting accounts or taxes in Odoo should only be done when absolutely necessary. In most cases, Odoo is already configured to handle common accounting and tax needs, so manual intervention can create more problems than solutions. By following best practices and evaluating each case in detail, accurate and efficient accounting can be ensured within the system.