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You are absolutely correct, tax rate appeaering in the Line Item table may very well be a violation of 2nd NF UNLESS tax rates are different for different items, in that case then the tax rate is defined by the Invoice date, customer and item and not only the invoice date and customer.
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An interesting argument. However, it still does not address the redundancy issue that would exist within the lineitems table. Also, while I can see how the tax rate could be dependent on the date and item, I don't see what the customer has to do with it. Unless of course, if the tax status of the customer comes into play. In that case, I think the argument that the tax rate still applies, it is whether the tax gets charged.

The way I have solved this problem is to create a lineitemtaxes table. Often, more than 1 tax will apply to a line item. Therefore, when a lineitem is created, the relevant taxes are taken from the taxes table - the template if you will, and then child records of the new lineitem are created.

I think you were in the room when this idea was cooked up by me..< bg >...


Again....a good discussion!!

< JVP >