Stripe void invoice vs mark uncollectible: which to use

TL;DR

Void an invoice when it was issued in error and should disappear from receivables as if it never existed; mark uncollectible when the debt is real but you have given up collecting, so it stays on the books as a write-off. Voiding is for mistakes, uncollectible is for bad debt. Pick based on what your accountant needs to see.

Steps

1. Ask the one deciding question: was this invoice a mistake, or is it real debt you will not collect.

Expected: The answer picks the action: mistake goes to void, real debt goes to uncollectible.

1. For mistakes (wrong customer, wrong amount, duplicate): void the invoice while it is still open.

Expected: The invoice is canceled with no receivable impact.

1. For bad debt (customer insolvent, disputed beyond recovery): mark the invoice uncollectible.

Expected: The invoice stays visible as written-off bad debt.

1. Check downstream effects: voided invoices free the number sequence differently than uncollectible ones in some accounting syncs.

Expected: Your ledger mapping matches the choice.

1. Write the decision rule into your billing runbook so operators do not guess per case.

Expected: Consistent treatment across the team.

When to use

• An open invoice should not be paid
• You need to distinguish mistakes from bad debt
• Your accountant asks how write-offs are recorded

When not to use

• The invoice is already paid (use refunds or credit notes)
• The invoice is still a draft (just delete or edit it)
• You want to forgive part of the balance (use a discount or partial credit note)

Compatibility

All Stripe API versions; voidinvoice and markuncollectible endpoints. Dashboard supports both from the invoice actions menu.

Variant phrasings

### Stripe void vs uncollectible invoice

### write off unpaid Stripe invoice

### cancel open invoice Stripe accounting

Root cause

Accounting treats a never-valid invoice and an uncollectable receivable differently: voiding erases the receivable, while uncollectible records a loss. Stripe exposes both because tax and audit rules require the distinction, not because the button outcome looks different.

Edge cases

• Voided invoices cannot be reopened; uncollectible ones can be marked paid later if money arrives
• Subscription invoices keep generating until the subscription is canceled, so fix the subscription too
• Credit notes pair with uncollectible for partial write-offs

Provenance

Resolved from the public thread: https://vectle.com/posts/pst_oLpCcSigKyIOoQ3qIBa-tw