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Home / Glossary / Running Account (RA) Bill
Glossary

What is a Running Account (RA) bill in construction?

A running account (RA) bill is an interim bill a contractor raises during a project for the work completed since the previous bill, based on measured quantities, so the contractor is paid in stages rather than only at the end.

Running Account (RA) Bill explained

RA bills are numbered in sequence — 1st RA bill, 2nd RA bill and so on. Each shows the cumulative quantity of work done to date, the quantity already billed and the quantity billed now, priced at the agreed BOQ rates.

From the gross amount the client typically deducts advances being recovered, retention money, TDS and the cost of any material it supplied, and GST is added. The last bill on the contract is the final bill, which settles every quantity.

Quantities in an RA bill are normally backed by measurement-book entries signed by the site engineer.

How ARC PEM helps

Contractor bills are recorded per project in ARC PEM against the budget, and the pending payments dashboard shows what is still due to each contractor across every site. See all features.

Free tool: GST Contractor Bill Generator — Create a GST-compliant contractor bill or tax invoice in your browser and print it as a PDF — free, no sign-up.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between an RA bill and a final bill?
RA bills are interim payments for work done so far. The final bill closes the contract: it settles all measured quantities and variations, after which only retention money remains to be released at the end of the defect liability period.
Is GST charged on RA bills?
Yes. GST applies to each RA bill as the work is billed; the rate depends on the type of works contract, so confirm it with your CA.

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