1
Enter your business details and the letter date
Add your company name, address, phone, and email at the top of the letter. Set the letter date to match the invoice date to avoid any discrepancy in your billing records.
π‘ Save a pre-filled version of the header as a master file so every letter you send starts with consistent sender details.
2
Address the letter to the correct AP contact
Enter the customer's accounts payable contact name, department, company name, and billing address. If you do not have an AP contact, call the customer before sending to get one.
π‘ For corporate clients, add 'Attn: Accounts Payable' below the company name even if you have a contact name β this ensures correct routing if your contact is absent.
3
Complete the subject line with the invoice reference
Include the invoice number, a brief description of the work or goods, and the due date in the subject line. This allows the reader to understand the letter's purpose before reading the body.
π‘ If the customer issued a purchase order, include the PO number in the subject line as well β many AP systems require it to process payment.
4
Write the opening paragraph confirming the invoice is attached
State the invoice number, date, and the project or billing period it covers in one or two sentences. Be direct β the first sentence should contain the invoice reference number.
π‘ Keep the opening to two sentences maximum. Anything longer delays the reader from reaching the amount due.
5
Summarize the goods or services delivered
Write two to four sentences describing what was delivered, referencing the contract, statement of work, or PO that authorizes the billing. Avoid repeating individual line items from the invoice.
π‘ Tie the description back to a milestone or agreed deliverable β this preempts the most common reason AP departments hold invoices for approval.
6
State the amount due and the specific due date
Enter the total amount in figures and words, the currency, and the exact calendar due date calculated from your payment terms. Do not rely on 'Net 30' alone β convert it to a date.
π‘ Bold or underline the total amount and due date in the letter so they stand out for the reader scanning the page.
7
Add payment instructions and the enclosure notation
Include complete payment instructions β bank details, check payee name, or portal link β and reference the invoice number in the payment memo line. Add the enclosure notation at the bottom of the letter.
π‘ If your payment portal generates a unique link per invoice, include that link directly in the letter to reduce friction and speed up payment.