What Are Business Documents?

Business documents are files that provide details related to a company’s internal and external transactions. Business documents may be digital, occurring as electronic files, or they may come in physical form, written or printed on paper. Some common examples of business documents include letters, invoices and order sheets.

Business documents are critical to a company’s efficiency and productivity. Without them, many businesses would struggle to function. For instance, accountants use business sales documents to determine if a company is operating at a profit or loss. Companies also use their financial reports to calculate and keep track of taxes. In commercial settings, sales documents provide evidence of transactions and orders.

The exact format of a business document varies. However, most business documents contain clear and exact language to ensure that the reader understands what is written. Business reports typically begin with a clear statement that defines what the ensuring content will be about.

Official emails and memorandums are also business documents. Companies rely on these to share information between employees and clients. Business emails and letters differ from informal letters in their tone. Conversations and views are direct, and sentences are kept brief, precise and clear. Proper grammar, the use of correct English and correct spelling are also very important when constructing a business document.