How Do You Title a Business Letter?

Most business letters contain the same heading.

When writing a business letter, it is important to properly head your correspondence. A business letter is a formal missive used when communicating with a company or another person in business capacity. The overall tone of the letter is less casual than a letter to friends. You should also adhere to the protocol when heading a business letter, which includes not only information on the recipient but some of your information as well.

Instructions

1. Include your address at the top righthand side of the letter. Write your street address on one line and your city, state and ZIP code on the next line. Do not include your name in the return address.

2. Skip a space. Write the date, including month, day and year, directly below your return address.

3. Write the recipient's mailing information next, flush left against the margin of the letter. Write the recipient's name first. Add his title on the next line. Write his company name on the next line.

4. Add the recipient's street address on the next line. Write the city, state and ZIP code on the last line.

5. Skip a space and then write, "Dear Mr/Mrs./Ms. Last Name" directly below the recipient's mailing information.

Tips & Warnings

• If using paper with letterhead, there is no need to include your mailing address on the letter. Some people also add a Subject line below the "Dear" line.

References

• Purdue University: Writing the Basic Business Letter
• Letter Writing Guide: Business Letter Formats