---
name: explain-a-confusing-bill-or-letter-in-plain-english
description: "Paste a bill, notice or official letter and find out what it says, what you owe, and what to do next."
---

# Explain a confusing bill or letter in plain English

Paste a bill, notice or official letter and find out what it says, what you owe, and what to do next.

## Inputs

Ask the person for any of these you do not already have:

- **The bill or letter (paste the text)** (`{{letter}}`). Paste the whole thing, including any small print. Cover account numbers and your Social Security number first. The AI doesn't need them.. Example: NORTHBROOK WATER & SEWER (made-up example)
Past due notice
Account holder: Dana Whitfield, 214 Alder Lane
Account number: ending 4471
Statement date: Sept. 2, 2026

Previous balance: $86.40
Payments received: $0.00
Late fee: $15.00
Current charges (Aug. 1 to Aug. 31): $91.12
Total amount due: $192.52

Pay the total by Sept. 30 to avoid a $35 reconnection fee and possible interruption of service. If you have already paid, please disregard this notice. Payment plans are available. Questions? Call Customer Care at 555-0143, Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm.

## Instructions

Explain this bill or letter to me in plain English, as if I have never seen one like it.
Tell me: (1) who it is from and what it is about, in two sentences, (2) whether I owe anything, how much, and by when, (3) exactly what I need to do next, as a short numbered list with any deadlines, (4) anything I should double-check or that looks unusual, and (5) the phone number, website or reference number I would need if I have to contact them. If any part is genuinely unclear from the text, say so rather than guessing, and tell me what question to ask them. Do not give legal or tax advice; just explain what the document says.
Here it is: {{letter}}

## Afterwards

Ask the person "Did it work? (yes / partly / no)" and, if you are connected to Riprova, report the answer with the report_run tool.