Late payment letter template (UK)
Chase an unpaid invoice with a clear, polite letter. Choose the reminder stage, fill in the invoice details and download a ready-to-send PDF.
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Not legal advice. This letter is a polite payment reminder. It does not add interest or make legal claims. For your rights when a business customer pays late, see GOV.UK: late commercial payments.
A reminder, not a threat
Most unpaid invoices are paid after a polite reminder. Start friendly, give a clear new date, and make it easy to pay by including your bank details. This template has three stages so the tone can firm up if you're ignored, without ever becoming rude.
Your rights with business customers
If your customer is a business, GOV.UK explains that you can usually claim statutory interest on late commercial payments. It's 8% plus the Bank of England base rate for business-to-business transactions, unless your contract sets a different rate. You may also be able to claim fixed compensation:
- £40 for debts up to £999.99
- £70 for debts from £1,000 to £9,999.99
- £100 for debts of £10,000 or more
If no payment date was agreed, payment counts as late 30 days after the customer gets the invoice or after the work is done, whichever is later. Read the GOV.UK guide to late commercial payments before adding any of these to a letter.
These rules are for business customers. Different rules apply to homeowners and other consumers. This letter doesn't add interest or charges.
If the reminder doesn't work
Pick up the phone. A conversation often uncovers a reason, such as a dispute about the work or a cash-flow problem, that a letter can't. If you still can't resolve it, GOV.UK explains how to make a court claim for money. Courts expect you to have tried to settle first, so keep copies of your reminders.
This page is general information, not legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
Is this letter a letter before action?
No. It's a polite payment reminder. A formal letter before claim has specific requirements, so get advice before going down that route.
Can I use this for a homeowner who hasn't paid?
Yes. The wording works for any customer. Just don't add statutory interest for consumers.
How long should I give them to pay?
Seven days is common for a first reminder. You can set any date.
Late payment letter templates by trade
These versions come with prices and wording set up for each trade.