An accounts receivable report template is a reusable format for your monthly AR report: a summary of how the balance moved, an aging breakdown, your key metrics, and the customers to chase.
The closing balance and aging percentages calculate automatically, and it works in Excel or Google Sheets.
If your invoices are in Xero or QuickBooks Online, Paidnice sends automated reminders and statements on the overdue balances this report shows.
Key facts about the AR report
- Closing AR equals opening AR plus invoices, minus cash collected and credit notes (52,000 + 41,000 - 33,740 = 59,260 below).
- Receivables arise under the accrual method, which counts income when earned (IRS Publication 538).
- Keep reports 3 years, or 7 years for a bad debt deduction (IRS).
What is in the report template
| Section | What it covers |
|---|---|
| 1. AR summary | Opening, invoiced, collected, credit notes, closing balance (auto) |
| 2. Aging summary | Current to 90+ days with automatic percentages and total |
| 3. Key metrics | DSO, AR turnover, percent over 90 days, write-offs |
| 4. Top overdue customers | Who to chase, how much, how overdue, next step |
Filled-in example
| Aging bucket | Amount | % of AR |
|---|---|---|
| Current | 31,200 | 53% |
| 1-30 days | 8,400 | 14% |
| 31-60 days | 3,500 | 6% |
| 61-90 days | 3,200 | 5% |
| 90+ days | 12,960 | 22% |
| Total AR | 59,260 | 100% |
DSO for a 30-day month is 59,260 ÷ (41,000 ÷ 30) = 43.4 days.
What should an accounts receivable report include?
An AR summary, an aging breakdown, key metrics such as DSO and AR turnover, and the largest overdue accounts with actions. The template includes all four.What is the difference between an AR report template and example?
A template is a blank format you reuse each month; an example is a populated report.How often should I produce an AR report?
Monthly is standard, aligned to your period-end close, with a weekly aging view for active collections.How do I calculate the metrics in the report?
DSO is AR divided by average daily credit sales; AR turnover is net credit sales divided by average AR; percent over 90 days is the 90+ bucket divided by total AR. Our calculator works these out for you.Does it work in Google Sheets?
Yes. Import the Excel file into Google Sheets; the summary and aging formulas carry over.What mistakes should you avoid with this template?
- Reading only the total. AR rose 7,260, but 12,960 (22%) is over 90 days old. Fix: read the aging first.
- Skipping credit notes. A missed 1,500 credit note leaves closing AR at 59,260, not 57,760. Fix: enter credit notes first.
- Changing the day count. Using 31 days instead of 30 turns a DSO of 43.4 into 44.8. Fix: use the real days.
Should the AR report match the general ledger?
Yes. Closing AR should equal the AR control account in your ledger. Use our reconciliation template to find any gap.
Do credit notes reduce accounts receivable?
Yes. A credit note lowers what the customer owes, so deduct it from closing AR.
Who belongs on the top overdue list?
The largest overdue balances, usually the top five or ten, with amount and next step.
Bottom line: this template suits a business with a few dozen open invoices. Move to software when you have hundreds or need the report weekly.
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Sources
2 sources, checked by Julie Turnbridge on October 26, 2026
- IRS Publication 538 irs.gov/publications/p538
- IRS irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/how-lon...
Last updated September 28, 2026. This guide is general information, not accounting, tax, or financial advice.
