Free IOU Template

Create a simple IOU form with our template to make your informal loan agreement. Ensure all the details are in place when you create your form.

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Last Update March 25th, 2024

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Table of Contents:

What Is an IOU
When to Use an IOU Template
How to Write an IOU Letter
Difference Between IOU, Loan Agreement, and Promissory Note
IOU Letter Sample
Financial Related Documents
IOU(I Owe You) FAQs

What Is an IOU

An IOU is an informal loan agreement between a lender and a borrower. It puts the debt in writing, and the person who borrows your money has a responsibility to pay it back.

An IOU is sometimes referred to as:

Debt Acknowledgement Form
I Owe You

Many times this document is used between 2 people with a previous relationship. Even though it is not considered formal, the agreement can be enforceable and used in court.

An I Owe You states the amount of money borrowed and when it needs to be paid back by the borrower.

When to Use an IOU Template

Using a simple IOU form to complete every type of agreement is not recommendable. It is a much more informal type of loan agreement and shouldn’t be used for formal transactions.

However, an IOU is the best option in certain moments, for example:

You loan money to a friend or family member
You buy an item for someone who doesn’t have enough money
You pay for an event such as a wedding and want the money back

Using an IOU or not, depends on the relationship you have with the borrower. This document is often reserved for family members, friends, and coworkers.

If you do not use an IOU, you may have trouble getting your money back. This can cause strain in your relationship with the borrower as well as a legal dispute.

LawDistrict has IOU forms in PDF available to help you write your agreement.

How to Write an IOU Letter

You can create your own IOU document by downloading our free printable IOU template. Afterwards, follow these step-by-step instructions to know exactly what should be in an IOU letter:

Debt Recognition

Fill in the names of the people borrowing and loaning the money. Then include the amount of money being loaned. Add any interest in the amount that must be returned.

Payment Terms and Conditions

Write the name of the borrower, and add that he or she will pay back the full amount. Include the choices of paying the loan back in partial or full payments. If it is partial, mention the frequency of payments.

Date of Signature and Binding Agreement

Include a declaration that states both parties are bound to the agreement. Write the date the agreement is going to take place.

Signatures and Witnesses

Write your name and the name of the borrower, and then sign the document. In addition, include the name and signature of any witness, including a notary public.

Difference Between IOU, Loan Agreement, and Promissory Note

If you are planning to loan your money to someone who needs it, it is essential that you ensure you will get your money back.

There are different types of agreements and legal documents that can be used for this purpose.

Besides an IOU, a Loan Agreement and a Promissory Note include a promise from a borrower to repay the loan in full.

Review the table below to better understand the 3 documents.

IOU	Promissory Note	Loan Agreement
Includes only basic information such as names and loan amount	Ideal for paying over a longer period of time	Includes the right to transfer the debt
Ideal for agreements between family and friends	Information about any collateral	It can be repaid in installments
It is the simplest to write	There are Secured and Unsecured Promissory Notes	Includes details about the consequences of defaulting.

IOU Letter Sample

To give you a good idea of how to write the form, we have included a sample of the document below.

Then, use our free IOU template to complete your form.

PDF WORD

IOU(I Owe You) FAQs

An IOU is not always simple to understand. That is why we’ve included answers to some of the most common questions about IOUs.

Answering these doubts, we intend to provide you with further information to make the writing process easier.

Is an IOU Legally Binding?

It can be more difficult to enforce this agreement due to its informality. Outlining all the names, amount of the loan, and obligations will make the IOU enforceable and a binding agreement.

Does an IOU Letter Need Witnesses or to Be Notarized?

Depending on the state, your IOU may need to be signed by a witness. Even if it is not required, it is a good idea to have it signed by a witness or a notary public.

What are the Legal Implications of an IOU?

If the document is signed and states the amount of money that is owed, the borrower will be legally required to pay that amount back.

You are only a few steps away from your own IOU !

Download our professional examples

PDF WORD

Preview of your IOU

IOU Form

I, the undersigned, _________ (The "Debtor"), hereby confirm to _________ (The "Creditor"), that I owe such Creditor a debt in the amount of $_________ dollars as of the date set forth herein. The amount includes each and every one of the legally permitted charges, including accrued interest, up to the date stipulated in this document.

I acknowledge and agree that I incurred said Debt, and I am solely responsible for the repayment of it to the Creditor. I acknowledge having incurred said Debt, and I declare myself solely responsible for its payment to the Creditor. I also agree and acknowledge that the Creditor's filing of this document in a court of law as an admission of judgment on my part (where legally permissible), leaves me defenseless before such Court.

I have promised and agreed to the entire payment of the amount of said Debt on or before _________.

Both the Creditor(s) and the Debtor(s) have signed this document on _________ in front of the Witnesses named below.

Debtor's Signature:

By: ___________________________________ Date: __________________
_________

Creditor's Signature:

By: ___________________________________ Date: __________________
_________

NOTARY PUBLIC

County of ____________________
State of Alabama

I ____________________________, a Notary Public in and for said County and State, hereby certify that _________ and _________, whose name(s) is/are signed to the foregoing instrument, and who is/are known to me (or satisfactorily proven), acknowledged before me on this day that, being informed of the contents of the instrument, she/he/they executed the same voluntarily on the day the same bears date. Given under my hand this ________ day of ________________, ________.

__________________________(Notary Public Signature)
Notary Public

My commission expires: __________________________