In one line
A summary of everything a client owes across all their open invoices.
Also called a statement of account or a customer statement.
What it means in practice
A statement is not an invoice. It lists the invoices, their dates, what has been paid and what is outstanding, which is the fastest way to restart a conversation with a client who has several bills open.
Send one monthly to any client with more than a couple of live invoices. It often surfaces the one invoice that never reached their system.
Example. Four invoices, two paid, $4,300 outstanding, oldest 46 days.
Where it shows up on the paperwork
A list rather than a demand: each open invoice with its date, amount, anything paid, and the total outstanding. It carries no new charges of its own.
What goes wrong
- Sending a statement instead of chasing a specific invoice, which is easy for the client to file and forget.
- Including invoices the client has already paid, which invites a reply about the statement rather than the money.
- Sending statements to clients with one open invoice, where a reminder would be clearer.
The tools for this
Related terms
- Accounts receivableThe money your clients owe you on invoices you have sent but not yet been paid for.
- Aging reportA list of unpaid invoices sorted by how long they have been outstanding.
- Remittance adviceThe note a client sends saying which invoices a payment covers.
Common questions
What is the difference between a statement and an invoice?
An invoice bills for specific work and creates the debt. A statement summarises what is already owed across invoices and creates nothing new.
How often should I send statements?
Monthly, to clients with more than a couple of live invoices. It often surfaces the one invoice that never reached their system.