diff --git a/erpnext/controllers/accounts_controller.py b/erpnext/controllers/accounts_controller.py
index 74f6b6542e5e..ef12483baac6 100644
--- a/erpnext/controllers/accounts_controller.py
+++ b/erpnext/controllers/accounts_controller.py
@@ -383,7 +383,7 @@ def validate_inter_company_reference(self):
 				self.get("inter_company_reference")
 				or self.get("inter_company_invoice_reference")
 				or self.get("inter_company_order_reference")
-			):
+			) and not self.get("is_return"):
 				msg = _("Internal Sale or Delivery Reference missing.")
 				msg += _("Please create purchase from internal sale or delivery document itself")
 				frappe.throw(msg, title=_("Internal Sales Reference Missing"))