Your rights when an invoice is late
Late-paying client? In the UK you have real rights, including charging interest. Here is the plain-English version.
We can show you how HelloNoa works, but we're not your accountant or solicitor.
This is general guidance, not tax or legal advice. For your situation, check with a qualified accountant or the tax authority where you are based.
When a client drags their feet on payment, it can feel like there is nothing you can do. There is, especially in the UK. Here is the short version.
In the UK
For business-to-business work, you have a legal right to charge interest on a late payment, plus a fixed sum to cover the cost of chasing it. Under the Late Payment of Commercial Debts rules, that is statutory interest of 8% above the Bank of England base rate, plus fixed compensation (currently between £40 and £100 depending on the size of the debt). You can usually claim this even if your contract does not mention it.
A clear invoice helps: state your payment terms, your bank details, and the due date. Sending a polite written reminder before the due date creates a useful paper trail if things drag on.
International users
Late-payment rules vary widely from country to country. The figures above are UK-specific, so check the rules where you and your client are based before relying on them.
How HelloNoa helps
You can send reminders and track which invoices are overdue, so you always know where you stand. For the awkward cases, see chasing a late payment. If a payment is seriously overdue and you are unsure of your next step, a qualified adviser can help, and you can always open a chat with us.
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