Overdue/Outstanding invoice?
Hello Everybody,

I recently called a German company explaining that one of their invoices had become "recently overdue". They said it was not overdue, as it was no more than 120 days pending... I understand that "overdue" is used when the time for paying something expires, although I don't know if you can use it immediately the next day.

When you use "overdue"? Was the German company correct? What is the different between "overdue" and "outstanding" in this context?

Thanks for your help,

Question

Overdue/Outstanding invoice?
Hello Everybody,

I recently called a German company explaining that one of their invoices had become "recently overdue". They said it was not overdue, as it was no more than 120 days pending... I understand that "overdue" is used when the time for paying something expires, although I don't know if you can use it immediately the next day.

When you use "overdue"? Was the German company correct? What is the different between "overdue" and "outstanding" in this context?

Thanks for your help,

Answer

An outstanding invoice is simply an invoice that hasn't been paid. The outstanding amount is the money that is owed.

If I understand your explanation, then yes you're correct: the invoice was overdue if the current date was later than the due date.  Calling an invoice overdue the day after it expires is not wrong, but probably a little pushy. :)