What is a balance due?
The balance due is what's still owed after partial payments or deposits — the number the customer actually needs to pay now. On invoices with deposits, showing 'Total $2,400 − Deposit paid $800 = Balance due $1,600' eliminates the most common client question.
In practice
A contractor's progress invoice shows total $10,000, less deposit $3,000 and first progress payment $3,000 — balance due $4,000.
Make the balance unmissable
Billia shows totals, deposits, and balance due as separate bold lines on every invoice.
Create an invoice — freeFrequently asked questions
Balance due vs. amount due — what's the difference?
They're often the same number. 'Balance due' emphasizes what's left after partial payments; 'amount due' is the invoice's bottom line. Use one term consistently.
Should the balance due be the biggest number on the invoice?
Yes — bold it. It's the action item. Everything above it is supporting detail.
What if the balance due is $0?
Mark it 'Paid in full' and issue a receipt. A $0 invoice without explanation confuses everyone.