Free Resource
The Accounts Receivable Aging Report: How to Read It (Free Template)
Your aging report is the clearest picture of how healthy your cash flow is. Here is how to read it, what to watch for, and a free template you can start using today.
What is an accounts receivable aging report?
An accounts receivable aging report lists every unpaid customer invoice grouped by how long it has been outstanding. It shows you where your cash is tied up, which customers are paying late, and where follow-up should start.
How to read the aging buckets
Current
Not yet due. Nothing to chase, but confirm the customer received the invoice.
1–30 days
Recently past due. A friendly reminder usually resolves most of these.
31–60 days
Follow-up is now essential. Look for missing purchase orders or approvals.
61–90 days
Risk is rising. Escalate to a decision-maker and document payment commitments.
90+ days
High risk. The longer these age, the harder they are to recover.
Example
| Customer | Total | 1–30 | 31–60 | 61–90 | 90+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Customer A | $5,000 | $0 | $5,000 | $0 | $0 |
| Customer B | $2,400 | $2,400 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Customer C | $8,000 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $8,000 |
Illustrative figures only.
How to build one in QuickBooks Online or Excel
In QuickBooks Online, open Reports and run A/R Aging Summary or A/R Aging Detail. NetSuite offers an equivalent receivables aging report. If you prefer to track it yourself, or want a version that includes last-contact dates and promise-to-pay dates, use the template below.
Red flags to watch for
- A growing share of total receivables sitting in the 61–90 and 90+ columns
- One customer making up a large share of the past-due balance
- Repeated broken promises to pay
- Short payments or credits that are never reconciled
- Invoices past due with no logged contact in the last 14 days
Free Template
Download the aging report tracker
A spreadsheet with aging buckets, last-contact and promise-to-pay columns, and a notes field. Enter your name and email and the download unlocks instantly.
Aging report questions
What is an accounts receivable aging report?
An accounts receivable aging report lists every unpaid customer invoice grouped by how long it has been outstanding, usually in buckets such as current, 1–30, 31–60, 61–90, and 90+ days. It shows where cash is tied up and which customers need follow-up.
How often should I review it?
Weekly is a good baseline. Past-due invoices get harder to collect the longer they age, so a weekly review catches problems while they are still easy to fix.
How do I run one in QuickBooks Online?
In QuickBooks Online, go to Reports and search for A/R Aging Summary or A/R Aging Detail. Set the report date, then use it to see balances by customer and by age bucket.
Want an expert to review your aging report?
Book a free consultation and we will walk through your receivables and recommend next steps. See our accounts receivable outsourcing services.