Common due-date terms
- Due on receipt: payment is requested when the customer receives the invoice.
- Net 7: payment is due seven calendar days after the invoice date.
- Net 15: payment is due fifteen calendar days after the invoice date.
- Net 30: payment is due thirty calendar days after the invoice date.
- Milestone payment: payment is tied to an agreed stage or deliverable.
Use an actual due date
Even when you use terms such as Net 30, showing the calculated due date prevents ambiguity. Include payment instructions and a contact for billing questions.
Deposits and partial payments
Show the full transaction total, then subtract the deposit or prior payment so the customer can see the remaining balance. Identify what the deposit covered in the notes or terms.
Late fees and discounts
Do not add a late fee or early-payment discount that was not properly disclosed or agreed. Laws governing interest, fees, notices, and collection practices vary. Confirm the rules that apply before using them.
Plain-language example: Payment is due by November 1, 2026. Please pay by bank transfer using the invoice number as the reference.