Doubtful debtors in 2026: this is how you tackle them smartly

Do you have invoices that have been outstanding for far too long and wonder if you'll ever get the money? Then you're dealing with bad debtors. These are customers for whom you should reasonably fear that they are not going to pay their debt in full or at all.

In 2026, tight accounts receivable management is more important than ever. You want a healthy balance sheet, enough cash flow and as few nasty surprises as possible. With Credifin, you can quickly get a clear picture of the doubtful cases and deal with them in a targeted manner.

Don't want to linger in uncertainty any longer? Then you can submit a collection online in just a few minutes. You provide the data, we take over the process and keep you informed step by step.

You speak of a bad debtor as soon as there is a real chance that your invoice will no longer be paid in full. You often recognize this by one or more of these signs:

• Your client no longer responds to anything and all you get is radio silence
• You see clear signs of financial trouble or possible bankruptcy
• Your customer disputes the invoice without good or substantiated reason
• The payment deadline has been exceeded for more than 90 days

Do you see these kinds of signs in your age analysis or race management? Then it's time to assess your claim as questionable and take targeted action.

Many business owners leave bad debtors in the hope of ever getting paid. In 2026, that's not a good idea. After all, it will cost you more than you think.

These are the three biggest risks for you:

• Contaminated balance. Your profit seems higher than it really is because you are calculating with money that is not there
• Missed VAT refund. If a debtor is uncollectible, you are entitled to a refund of the VAT paid, but only if you record it properly and take action on time
• Liquidity risk. Too many questionable items can get your business in trouble, even if your sales are growing

By actively managing bad debtors, you make your numbers fairer and reduce your own risk of default.

Credifin specializes in turning uncertain receivables into amounts that just come into your account. For doubtful debtors, we use a more intensive process than a standard collection process.

• Credit check. We immediately examine your client's current financial situation. Is there still perspective or is the company actually already bankrupt?
• Personal contact. Our specialists seek quick and personal contact to find out the real reason for the default and agree on a final settlement with your client
• Legal pressure. Where necessary, we immediately initiate a subpoena to secure your claim before other creditors do so
• Clear strategy. Together we determine when it still makes sense to move forward and when it is better for you to settle fiscally

That way you get everything out of your doubtful items that's left in them, without having to chase every payment yourself.

It may happen that a debtor really does turn out to be uncollectible after all efforts. Even then, it is better not to let it lie. You want your claim to be finalized neatly and processed as favorably as possible for tax purposes.

You can then do this, among other things:

• Write off the invoice as a loss in your records for tax purposes
• Reclaim the previously remitted VAT from the tax authorities
• Cleaning up your balance sheet so your financial statements are fair again

Credifin provides you with a complete collection file and a clear statement of irrecoverability. This allows you to show the tax authorities and accountant what steps you have taken.

Are you unsure whether to leave an outstanding invoice for a while or to act now? These practical cues will help you make a choice faster.

• The invoice has been outstanding for more than 90 days and no concrete payment arrangement is forthcoming
• You have recalled several times but get no response or only vague promises
• You hear from other suppliers that they are also after their money
• You see in your aging analysis that the same customer keeps paying late

Do you recognize this? Then it's time to move from waiting to acting. You can send your debtor one last clear reminder or submit a collection order immediately. Then we will take over for you in a structured way.

Doubtful debtors are not only about debt collection, but also about tight and accurate records. In 2026, banks, investors and the Inland Revenue are looking more critically than ever at the quality of your figures.

Therefore, it is important that you:

• Recognize bad debts on time in your accounts receivable statement
• Agree with your accountant on clear rules for provisions and write-offs
• Properly document what collection steps you have taken and when you declare a debt uncollectible

Are you working with a bad debt provision? Then you can better absorb fluctuations in bad debts and your results remain more realistic. Credifin likes to think along with you about the practical side, so that your accountant can connect smoothly to it.

Does a customer not pay your invoice even though you have already remitted the VAT? Then, of course, you don't want to lose that VAT permanently. In many cases, you can reclaim the sales tax as soon as it becomes clear that payment is not forthcoming.

Importantly, you:

• Keep the original invoice and your reminders well
• Can substantiate why you designate the claim as uncollectible
• Notes when you applied for the VAT refund

With a complete collection file and a clear statement of irrecoverability, you make things a lot easier for your accountant and the tax authorities. This way, you avoid paying VAT on revenue you never received.