Net 30 payment terms: what they mean
By Diljit Ramachandran, founder of The Invoice Generator. Published Oct 26, 2026.
Net 30 means the full invoice is due 30 days after the invoice date. An invoice dated 1 March is due on 31 March. Write Net 30 and the exact due date on the invoice, so the client does not have to count.
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What does Net 30 mean?
Net means the full amount is due, with no early-payment discount, within the stated days. Net 30 gives the client 30 calendar days from the invoice date to pay it. Net 60 is the same idea with 60 days, and Net 15 with 15.
What are the due dates?
For an invoice dated 1 March:
| Terms | Due date |
|---|---|
| Net 15 | 16 March |
| Net 30 | 31 March |
| Net 30 EOM | 30 April |
What does Net 30 EOM mean?
EOM is end of month. The 30 days start from the end of the month the invoice is dated, so the client usually gets longer. Spell the date out so there is no doubt.
When should you use Net 30?
It is common for business clients, who often pay in a set cycle. Shorter terms often suit individuals and small clients. Agree the terms before you start work, and see payment terms explained for the others. Due upon receipt is the shortest term, and late payment fees covers invoices that run over. Payers can read how to pay an invoice.
Questions
- Does Net 30 start on the invoice date or the delivery date?
- Normally the invoice date, unless your contract says otherwise.
- Can I offer a discount for paying early?
- Yes, for example 2/10 net 30: 2 percent off if paid within 10 days, otherwise the full amount in 30.
Keep every document in one place
- A free account saves a copy of each invoice, remembers your clients and items, and shows what is paid and overdue.
- Pro numbers your invoices for you, emails payment reminders, and repeats the ones you send every month.
Drafted with AI assistance from public sources and our own tool, and published by Diljit Ramachandran. It has not been checked by an accountant. It is general information, not tax or legal advice. Rules differ by place; check with an accountant or your local tax office.