What is a Debit Memorandum? A Comprehensive Legal Overview

Definition & Meaning

A debit memorandum is a document issued by a bank to inform a depositor that their account balance has been reduced. This reduction can occur for various reasons, such as bank service charges or other fees, rather than through the payment of a check written by the depositor. Additionally, a debit memorandum can also refer to a document used by sellers to notify buyers that their accounts payable have increased due to errors or necessary adjustments.

Table of content

Real-world examples

Here are a couple of examples of abatement:

Example 1: A bank issues a debit memorandum to a customer after deducting a monthly maintenance fee from their account. The document specifies the amount deducted and the reason for the charge.

Example 2: A seller sends a debit memorandum to a buyer to adjust the accounts payable after discovering an error in the previous invoice. The document outlines the adjustments made to the buyer's account. (hypothetical example)

Comparison with related terms

Term Definition Key Differences
Credit Memorandum A document that increases a buyer's account balance. Opposite effect of a debit memorandum; it indicates a credit rather than a debit.
Invoice A document requesting payment for goods or services. An invoice requests payment, while a debit memorandum indicates a change in balance.

What to do if this term applies to you

If you receive a debit memorandum, review it carefully to understand the reason for the balance change. If it pertains to bank fees, ensure that they are accurate. For commercial transactions, verify the adjustments made to your accounts payable. If you need assistance, consider using US Legal Forms' templates to manage related documentation, or consult a legal professional for complex issues.

Quick facts

  • Type of document: Notification
  • Common users: Banks, sellers
  • Impacts: Account balances, accounts payable
  • Typical reasons: Service charges, billing adjustments

Key takeaways

Frequently asked questions

A debit memorandum is a document that notifies a depositor of a decrease in their account balance for reasons such as fees or adjustments.