Example
Four invoices listed: INV-1038 and INV-1041 paid, INV-1043 for $2,100 and INV-1047 for $2,200 still open, the oldest 46 days. Total outstanding: $4,300.
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; you can make a statement of account free. It often surfaces the one invoice that never reached their system.
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.
Common questions
What is the difference between a statement and an invoice?
An invoice bills for specific work and creates the debt. A statement summarizes 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.
What should a statement of account include?
Your details and the client's, the statement date, each invoice with its number, date and amount, any payments received, and the total outstanding. It adds no new charges of its own.