> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://learn.withessential.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://learn.withessential.com/revenue/invoices/mark-an-invoice-as-uncollectible-write-off-the-balance.md).

# Mark an invoice as uncollectible (write off the balance)

When you've decided you won't collect what's still owed on an invoice, you can write it off by marking it Uncollectible. This is the path for an invoice that has already been sent - including one that has taken a partial payment but won't be paid in full.

You'll find "Mark as Uncollectible" in the "..." menu of the action bar (it appears for a sent invoice that still has an outstanding balance). The dialog asks for a Notes field explaining the write-off, which is required, and it warns clearly that this action cannot be undone.

After confirming, the invoice's status becomes Uncollectible and it shows in red on the page and in your invoice list. Use this rather than Void when money has already been collected, since Void is only for invoices with nothing collected yet.

Because it can't be reversed, double-check the invoice before saving - if you only meant to cancel an unsent invoice with no payments, Void (which can be reopened) is the better choice.

On an accrual sales-tax basis, the [Tax Remittance Report](/revenue/invoices/run-the-tax-remittance-report.md#written-off-invoices-on-the-accrual-basis) keeps the invoice's tax in the period it was invoiced and subtracts the written-off share of its tax in the period you mark it uncollectible.

> **Where to find it:** Open a sent invoice that still owes a balance, then use the "..." menu in the top-right action bar and choose "Mark as Uncollectible".

## Related guides

* [Bulk actions on invoices](/revenue/invoices/bulk-actions-on-invoices.md)
* [Invoice statuses and what each one means](/revenue/invoices/invoice-statuses-and-what-each-one-means.md)
* [Add a line item to an invoice](/revenue/invoices/add-a-line-item-to-an-invoice.md)
* [Apply a discount to an invoice](/revenue/invoices/apply-a-discount-to-an-invoice.md)
* [Attach files or reports to an invoice](/revenue/invoices/attach-files-or-reports-to-an-invoice.md)
* [Can I reverse a payment I recorded?](/revenue/invoices/can-i-reverse-a-payment-i-recorded.md)


---

# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.

## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the following URL with the `ask` and `goal` query parameters:

```
GET https://learn.withessential.com/revenue/invoices/mark-an-invoice-as-uncollectible-write-off-the-balance.md?ask=<question>&goal=<user_goal>
```

`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is what the user is ultimately trying to achieve, the reason they need the answer. Sharing it helps GitBook give you a better, more relevant answer. A goal is most helpful when it describes the outcome the user wants rather than restating the question. For example, with `ask=how do I create an API token`, a goal like `automate deployments from our CI pipeline` lets GitBook tailor the answer to that use case.

The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.
