How ADHD Entrepreneurs in the UK Can Manage Forgotten Invoices: A Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction

Running a business is challenging at the best of times, but for those with ADHD, tasks that others may consider routine can feel overwhelming. One of these tasks is invoicing. Many business owners with ADHD find it difficult to keep track of what has been invoiced and what hasn’t. As a result, invoices get forgotten or delayed, which can harm cash flow and create unnecessary stress.

In this blog, we’ll explore the common challenges ADHD business owners face with invoicing, how the process works in the UK, and practical strategies to stay on top of invoices. If you’re an entrepreneur with ADHD (or related conditions such as autism or dyslexia), this post is designed to be easy to follow and filled with actionable advice. Let’s dive in!

The ADHD Struggle: Why Invoicing is Often Forgotten

In ADHD, the brain’s executive functions – including organisation, time management, and attention to detail – are often impaired. For people with ADHD, even routine tasks can seem monumental. The result? Invoicing gets delayed or forgotten altogether.

Here are some of the reasons why business owners with ADHD may struggle with invoicing:

Procrastination: One of the most common symptoms of ADHD is difficulty starting tasks, even if they are important. The act of invoicing might feel like a big, daunting task, leading to putting it off until it becomes urgent.

Disorganisation: ADHD often affects the ability to organise information in a clear and consistent way. This means that invoices can get misplaced, forgotten, or jumbled up with other documents. It’s easy for something as seemingly simple as an invoice to slip through the cracks.

Difficulty with Detail: Invoices require attention to detail, such as making sure the correct amount is billed and the right client information is included. For people with ADHD, focusing on these small details can feel exhausting.

Overwhelm: ADHD business owners may already be juggling multiple tasks and responsibilities. Invoicing, which can feel like a tedious and repetitive task, may not feel urgent when there are more pressing matters at hand.

These challenges can result in missed payments, financial uncertainty, and stress. However, it’s not all doom and gloom. There are strategies and solutions that can help ADHD business owners overcome these hurdles and ensure they stay on top of invoicing.

The Importance of Timely Invoices: Legal and Financial Implications

In the UK, there are a few important things to know about invoices, especially if you forget to send one. Understanding how the invoicing process works legally can help you avoid costly mistakes.

Late Payments and the Law

In the UK, businesses are protected under the Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998, which allows you to charge interest on late invoices. However, this only applies once the payment terms (usually 30 days from the invoice date) have passed. If you’ve forgotten to send an invoice, the due date is obviously missed, but you still have the right to claim interest and compensation for the delay once the invoice is issued.

Here are the key legal points to keep in mind:

Payment Terms: Always clearly state the payment terms on your invoices. For example, “payment due within 30 days of the invoice date” or “payment due upon receipt.”

Interest on Late Payments: If the client doesn’t pay by the agreed date, you can charge interest on the overdue amount. The statutory interest rate is 8% above the Bank of England base rate.

Debt Recovery: If an invoice remains unpaid for a prolonged period, you can pursue debt recovery through the courts or use a debt collection agency. However, this process can be time-consuming and costly, so it’s best to avoid it by staying on top of your invoicing.

Managing Cash Flow

For any business, cash flow is critical. Forgetting to send invoices can result in delayed payments, which in turn affects your ability to pay bills, employees, or invest back into your business. If you struggle with invoicing, it’s important to have a system in place to avoid financial stress.

How to Manage Forgotten Invoices: Tips for Business Owners with ADHD

Here’s the good news: You can overcome the challenges of forgotten invoices. By using a combination of strategies and tools, you can streamline your invoicing process and ensure timely payments.

1. Automate Your Invoicing Process

One of the best solutions for ADHD business owners is automation. By using invoicing software, you can set up recurring invoices and reminders, so you don’t have to manually track everything. Here are some popular options:

QuickBooks: QuickBooks offers a range of features, including recurring invoices and automatic reminders for late payments. It’s a user-friendly option for business owners who need to stay on top of their financials.

Xero: Another excellent invoicing software, Xero allows you to create, send, and track invoices with ease. You can also integrate it with your bank account, which makes payment tracking simpler.

FreeAgent: If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, FreeAgent is a great choice for freelancers and small business owners. It allows you to create professional invoices and automatically chase late payments.

These tools will not only help you avoid forgetting to send invoices, but they can also save you a significant amount of time.

2. Set Up a Regular Invoicing Routine

Establishing a set routine for invoicing can help reduce the chance of forgetting it. Some ADHD business owners find it helpful to set aside a specific time each week or month for invoicing. For example:

Set a weekly invoicing day: Dedicate one day a week to reviewing your projects and issuing invoices. Make it a non-negotiable part of your schedule.

Monthly review: At the end of each month, review all the work completed and make sure invoices are sent for every project.

By incorporating invoicing into a regular routine, it becomes a habit that’s easier to manage.

3. Use Checklists or Task Management Apps

ADHD can make it difficult to keep track of tasks, so a checklist can be incredibly helpful. You can create a simple checklist for invoicing that includes the following:

Check if the project has been completed.

Ensure the client’s details are correct.

Add any applicable taxes or discounts.

Confirm the payment terms.

Apps like Trello, Asana, or Todoist are great for creating task lists and setting reminders. You can create recurring tasks for invoicing and receive notifications when it’s time to send an invoice.

4. Delegate the Task With Spies Coaching ADHD Virtual Assistants

If you find that managing your invoices continues to be overwhelming despite using tools or setting up a routine, it might be time to delegate the task. Hiring an ADHD Virtual Assistant could be a game-changer for your business.

An ADHD Virtual Assistant understands the challenges ADHD business owners face. They are skilled in helping you stay organised and on top of tasks, including invoicing, without letting things slip through the cracks. Whether it’s scheduling your invoicing days, sending reminders to clients, or following up on unpaid invoices, a dedicated VA can streamline this process and relieve your administrative burden.

At Spies Coaching, we specialise in providing ADHD Virtual Assistants who not only support you with invoicing but also help with general business management, project coordination, social media management and more. Having a professional on your side who understands ADHD can make a significant difference in your business’s efficiency and your peace of mind.

5. Stay Compassionate with Yourself

Dealing with ADHD can be overwhelming, and it’s easy to feel frustrated when tasks are forgotten or delayed. It’s important to be kind to yourself and remember that it’s okay to make mistakes. ADHD is not something you can control, but you can control how you manage it.

Consider seeking professional support or coaching to help develop strategies tailored to your specific needs.

Conclusion: ADHD and Invoicing Don’t Have to Be a Struggle

Invoicing is a crucial part of running a successful business, and while it can be more challenging for those with ADHD, there are plenty of tools and strategies to make the process easier. By automating your invoicing, setting up a regular routine, using checklists, or outsourcing, you can avoid the stress of forgotten invoices and ensure your business’s cash flow remains steady.

Remember, you don’t have to handle everything on your own. Find the solutions that work for you, and don’t be afraid to ask for help when needed. With the right tools in place, invoicing can become one less thing to worry about as you grow your business.