Definition of "Due Bill"

A written notification that either dividends, interest, or other distributions are owed by the seller to the buyer or vice versa. For example, a security is purchased prior to its ex-dividend date and the seller does not deliver the security until after the dividend's record date. The security is delivered with a due bill attached because the seller will receive the dividend in which he is not entitled. The seller's name was on the company books even though he no longer owned the security. The due-bill is a notification that the purchaser is entitled to receive the dividend. Conversely, if a security is purchased ex-dividend (without dividend) and the security is delivered before the record date, the buyer's name will be on the company books on the record date. The buyer will receive a dividend in which he is not entitled. The buyer signs a due bill stating that the dividend he receives is payable to the seller.