When is a bill deemed to be paid when the check is cut when the check is mailed or when the check is received by the payee?

A bill is typically deemed to be paid when the check is received by the payee. While the date the check is cut or mailed may be important for record-keeping or determining payment timing, the actual transfer of funds occurs when the payee has possession of the check. Therefore, for legal and accounting purposes, receipt of the check by the payee is the critical point for considering the bill as paid.