Glossary Accounting
Outstanding
Definition
Outstanding is the amount still unpaid on bills: receivables are what customers owe you and payables are what you owe suppliers.
Example
Singh Distributors owes ₹1,40,000 across four bills on 30-day terms. ₹55,000 is from bills over 45 days old and ₹85,000 is not yet due. The salesperson asks for the overdue ₹55,000 first, with a bill-wise statement, instead of a round figure.
Outstanding in TallyPrime and in Cashflow OS
Where to find itIn TallyPrime
TallyPrime shows receivables and payables under its outstanding reports, party-wise or bill-wise, when party ledgers keep bill-wise details.
On your phoneIn Cashflow OS
Cashflow OS shows bill-wise receivables and payables with ageing from the synced Tally data, and payment reminders and statements can be shared on WhatsApp.
See Outstanding receivables
Common misunderstandings
- Watch outChasing the total balance instead of the overdue bills, which leads to disputes.
- Watch outIgnoring payables. Paying micro and small suppliers late can affect your own tax deduction.
Receivables and payables
Every credit sale creates a receivable until the customer pays, and every credit purchase creates a payable until you pay. In Indian trade the word “outstanding” is used for both, often with the party name: “Sharma ji ka outstanding ₹80,000 hai.” An outstanding report lists, party by party and often bill by bill, how much is due, since when, and whether it is past the agreed credit period. It is the main tool for collections.
Example
| Bill | Date | Amount | Paid | Pending | Overdue by |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 211 | 5 Aug | ₹60,000 | ₹60,000 | ₹0 | – |
| 248 | 2 Sep | ₹45,000 | ₹20,000 | ₹25,000 | 34 days |
| 290 | 10 Oct | ₹38,000 | ₹0 | ₹38,000 | Not due |
With 30-day terms, this dealer owes ₹63,000, of which ₹25,000 is overdue. The ledger balance alone would only say ₹63,000; the bill-wise view tells you which part to chase first. See how to reduce outstanding receivables.
Why it matters
A business can show profit and still run short of cash because money is stuck in outstanding. Watching the overdue part each week, setting credit limits, and following up with a clear statement usually does more for cash than any loan. For suppliers that are micro or small enterprises, payment within the time allowed by law also affects your own tax deduction, so payables deserve the same attention.
Where it shows up in TallyPrime
TallyPrime shows outstanding receivables and payables under its statements of accounts, ledger-wise or bill-wise, provided bill-wise details are kept on party ledgers. Cashflow OS shows the same outstanding on the phone, party by party and bill by bill with ageing, so a salesperson or owner can check before a visit; see checking outstanding in Tally on the phone.
Related terms
Questions about Outstanding
Is outstanding the same as the ledger balance?
What is an on-account amount?
How often should I review outstanding?
What is the difference between outstanding and overdue?
How can I bring outstanding down?
This page is general information for Indian businesses, not tax, legal or financial advice. Rules and rates change — check the official portals or your CA before acting.
