Many customers stop approving invoices in the second half of December, and some finance teams close early. At the same time, January brings tax and other bills. A short checklist now can keep your cash healthy through the quiet weeks. This article is general information.
1. Invoice earlier than you normally would
Send every invoice you can by the first week of December, including work finished but not yet billed. An invoice sent on 23 December may not be looked at until January.
2. Check payment terms against the calendar
A 30-day invoice issued in early December falls due in early January, when your tax bills and the slow restart can both hurt. Consider asking for shorter terms, deposits or staged payments on large jobs.
3. Chase what is already overdue
Use the aged receivables report to list every overdue invoice, and send reminders in the first half of December. See our late payment email templates.
4. Tell customers when you are closed
Put your closing dates and an invoicing contact in your email signature and on your website. If you are sending reminders over the holiday, keep them short and polite.
5. Check supplier and bank closing dates
Know when your suppliers and your bank are closed. Pay important bills before they shut, and expect transfers to take longer over bank holidays.
6. Look at January cash
January often brings a Self Assessment payment on 31 January, the first payment on account, VAT and quarterly Making Tax Digital updates in early February. Build a 13-week forecast that includes them, and use our tax calculator to estimate your bill.
7. Keep your books current
Record sales and costs before you stop for the holidays, and reconcile your bank at the end of December. You will thank yourself in January. See our month-end checklist.
8. Plan your January restart
- Send January invoices on the first working day.
- Review last quarter’s profit and loss.
- Check your plan against your year-end tax planning.
A short checklist
- All completed work invoiced by early December.
- Overdue invoices chased.
- Closing dates communicated.
- January cash forecast ready.
- Bank reconciled to 31 December.
How AvrioBooks helps
See what is overdue in the aged receivables report, send payment reminders and track your forecast. See invoicing software and cash flow forecasting software.
Frequently asked questions
When should I send my last invoices before Christmas?
As early as you can, ideally by the first week of December, because many finance teams stop approving invoices in the second half of the month.
Why is January a cash flow risk?
It often brings your Self Assessment payment, first payment on account and other bills at the same time as slower customer payments.
How can I get paid faster in December?
Invoice earlier, shorten payment terms, take deposits on large jobs and chase overdue invoices in the first half of the month.
Does AvrioBooks show what is overdue?
Yes. The aged receivables report and the dashboard show overdue invoices, and payment reminders are available in the Sales menu.
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