Late payment reminder letter

An unpaid invoice? This firm but polite letter usually does the job. Copy it, fill in the details, and send it today.

[Your name / business] · [Address] · [Email]
[DD/MM/YYYY]

[Client name]
[Client business]

Dear [name],

Re: Overdue invoice [0001], £[amount]

I'm writing about invoice [0001] for £[amount], issued on [date] and due on [due date]. As of today it is [X] days overdue and remains unpaid.

I appreciate things get busy, so this is a friendly reminder. Please arrange payment within [7] days, to:

[Bank name] · Sort code [00-00-00] · Account [12345678]
Reference: [invoice 0001]

If there's a problem with the invoice or you'd like to discuss it, just reply and we'll sort it out. If it's already on its way, thank you and please ignore this note.

Please note that for overdue business invoices I'm entitled to charge statutory interest and a fixed recovery fee under the Late Payment of Commercial Debts legislation. I'd much rather not, so a prompt payment is appreciated.

Kind regards,
[Your name]

Sent with a little help from sedonis.com

Getting an overdue invoice paid

Most late payments aren't refusals, they're forgetfulness. A clear, polite reminder that's easy to act on usually works. A few tips:

Lead with the facts: invoice number, amount, and how overdue it is
Make paying effortless, repeat your bank details and reference
Stay friendly but firm, and give a clear new deadline
Mention your right to statutory interest, calmly, as a fact not a threat
Keep a record of every reminder you send

For business-to-business invoices, UK law lets you add statutory interest of 8% plus the Bank of England base rate, plus a fixed compensation fee. Work out the exact figure with our late payment interest calculator. For the full playbook, read how to chase an unpaid invoice.

Next steps

Do the maths

ToolLate payment interest calculatorWhat you can charge on an overdue invoice

Read the guide

GuideHow to chase an unpaid invoice (politely), with templatesExactly what to say when a client hasn't paid, when to send each message, and how to get paid without damaging the relationship.

What the words mean

TermStatutory interestInterest you are legally entitled to charge another business on a late payment.TermNet 30Payment terms that mean the invoice is due 30 days after it is issued.TermCash flowThe movement of money in and out of your business over time.

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A free template for general guidance, not legal advice. For persistent non-payment, consider a formal letter before action or advice from a professional.