XBert Type: Standard
Accounting Software: Xero, MYOB, QuickBooks
Country Restriction: AU only
Risk Type: Tax Risk
Business Function: Sales
Overview
The "Invoice Raised With a Cancelled Customer" XBert identifies unpaid invoices issued to customers whose Australian Business Numbers (ABNs) are marked as cancelled on the Australian Business Register (ABR). This helps ensure your accounts receivable records remain accurate and that you are not chasing payment from businesses that are no longer legally trading.
What it does
This XBert checks ABNs recorded against your customer contacts and flags unpaid invoices where the ABN is cancelled. It helps you avoid delays in payment collection and reduce risk by alerting you when a customer may no longer be operating.
How it works
XBert analyses unpaid invoices created after your XBert account was activated and after the customer’s ABN was cancelled. If the ABN entered in your accounting software matches an ABR record with a cancelled status, XBert triggers an alert. This ensures you have the opportunity to act before debts become unrecoverable.
Example/Use Case
Steve runs a newsagency and sends an invoice for $285 to Dave's Plumbing for office supplies. A few weeks later, he notices the invoice remains unpaid. XBert alerts him that Dave’s Plumbing has a cancelled ABN, meaning the business may no longer be trading. Steve contacts Dave quickly and is able to settle the invoice before the business finalises its affairs, avoiding a complete write-off.
Accounting software
All Australian-compatible accounting software (e.g., Xero, MYOB, QuickBooks Online).
Which countries it supports
Australia only.
Processes
This alert falls under the ‘Sales (AR)’ category and helps reduce credit risk associated with deregistered customers. To resolve this issue:
Use the ABN Lookup service to confirm your customer’s ABN status.
If the ABN is cancelled or incorrect, contact the customer to obtain their updated registration details.
Update the customer’s contact record and ABN in your accounting software.
Amend the invoice if necessary to reflect updated GST status.
Do not issue further invoices to cancelled or unregistered businesses unless there's a valid reason. For any already issued, consider reissuing them with correct business details if available.