What documents do I need to share (aged debtor report, sample invoices, contracts, basic financials)?

Quick answer

For most commercial funding routes — especially invoice finance and working capital facilities — lenders and brokers typically request an aged debtor report, sample invoices, customer contracts, and basic financial statements. These documents show who owes you money, how reliable those debts are, the contractual basis for future income, and the overall financial health of the business. Providing clear, well-organised copies speeds assessment and increases the chance of a positive, fast outcome.

Why these documents matter

Lenders and brokers use documentary evidence to assess risk, verify turnover, and confirm the collectability of invoices. An aged debtor report shows invoice ageing patterns and concentrations of risk by customer. Sample invoices and contracts demonstrate the authenticity of trading relationships and payment terms.

Basic financials (management accounts, P&L, balance sheet, and bank statements) give an overview of cash flow, profitability and liquidity. Together these items let a potential funder model exposures and set appropriate advance rates and fees.

Core documents you should prepare

Below are the most commonly requested documents. Organise them into a single PDF or a secure folder for easy sharing.

• Aged debtor report (export from your accounting system showing invoice age bands and customer balances).
• Sample invoices (recent unpaid invoices and some paid ones to show payment behaviour).
• Signed customer contracts or purchase orders that support recurring income or large orders.
• Management accounts (last 3–12 months) and most recent annual accounts.
• Business bank statements (typically last 3 months) and VAT returns where applicable.
• Company registration details (Companies House entry) and proof of ID or director information if requested.

How to prepare and present the documents

Start with the aged debtor report exported directly from your accounting software to reduce errors. Ensure invoice numbers, issue dates, due dates, customer names and outstanding amounts are visible in the file you share.

Redact sensitive personal data if it’s not needed, but keep full customer references and contract signatures intact. Label each file clearly (for example “Debtors_Ageing_Mar2025.pdf”) and use a secure file transfer method or the portal your introducer/lender provides.

What lenders look for in each document

Aged debtor report — lenders check concentration risk, average days outstanding (DSO), and evidence of disputed or overdue balances. High concentration in one customer often reduces the advance rate or triggers conditions.

Sample invoices — funders will confirm that invoices are genuine, VAT-compliant and for traded goods or services. They also check payment terms and whether the invoices include credit notes or retention clauses.

Contracts and purchase orders — these prove customer commitment, ongoing work and the legitimacy of recurring revenue. Longer-term contracts can improve advance rates and reduce underwriting friction.

Basic financials — management accounts and bank statements show cash flow trends, overdrafts, supplier payment patterns and any seasonality. Lenders use these to assess covenant risk and to size facilities.

Practical next steps and how Best Business Loans helps

If you want a streamlined assessment, gather the items above and submit a Quick Quote through our platform. Our AI matching will connect your enquiry with lenders and brokers who specialise in your sector and in invoice finance. For firms specifically exploring invoice solutions, see our detailed guide on invoice finance for practical next steps: Invoice Finance.

We do not provide lending ourselves — we introduce you to regulated lenders and experienced brokers who can underwrite and manage facilities. Completing a short online form enables a fast Decision in Principle or eligibility check and keeps the process compliant and transparent.

Compliance and privacy note

Best Business Loans is an introducer and not a lender. We will only share your information with selected, relevant finance providers and will never sell your data. Always ensure your financial promotions and communications are clear, fair and not misleading before sharing documents with third parties or in public channels.

Key takeaways

• Prepare an aged debtor report, a set of sample invoices, customer contracts and basic financial statements. These are the core items lenders request.
• Organise and label files, use secure transfer methods, and redact unnecessary personal data while keeping contractual evidence intact.
• Submit a Quick Quote through Best Business Loans to be matched to suitable lenders or brokers and get a fast eligibility check.