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What aging shows
Accounts receivable aging groups unpaid customer amounts by how long they've been outstanding. It helps identify which invoices need attention, but does not by itself prove an amount is collectible.
1. Check invoice details
Open Business invoices or the receivables report. Verify the customer, invoice date, due date, currency and outstanding balance. Review any credit notes, partial payments and disputed items.
2. Read a simple example
| Invoice | Due | Unpaid |
|---|---|---|
| #101, current | Next week | $400 |
| #102, overdue | 15 days ago | $750 |
| #103, partly paid | 35 days ago | $200 |
| Total receivable | $1,350 |
These are illustrative balances. Aging buckets can be based on due dates; confirm which basis the report uses.
3. Match customer payments
When a bank deposit arrives, check which invoice it belongs to. Record the payment once, using the appropriate invoice association. A $750 customer receipt isn't a second sale if the invoice already recognized revenue under accrual accounting.
4. Follow up respectfully
Before sending a reminder, confirm the invoice wasn't paid in another account and that the customer details are correct. If needed, follow your business's collections process. Avoid implying automatic customer emails are sent unless you have configured and verified that workflow.
5. Review the month-end balance
Check whether aged receivables tie to the accounts receivable ledger and balance sheet. Ask your accountant about doubtful debts or write-offs.
See month-end review and create and manage invoices.
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