What to include
- The invoice number, the amount and the date it was due.
- How many days late it is, and the reminders you have sent.
- A clear date to pay by, at least seven days away.
- How to pay, and a copy of the invoice.
- What you will do if it is not paid.
Wording for interest
Between businesses, you can say that you will claim statutory interest under the Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998. The rate is 8% a year plus the Bank of England base rate. You can also claim a fixed sum of £40, £70 or £100, by the size of the debt. If your contract sets its own rate, use that instead.
What to avoid
Do not threaten something you will not do. Keep anger out of it: a final notice may be read later by a judge. Do not add charges your terms or the law do not allow. If the customer says they dispute the invoice, stop and deal with that first.
What comes next
If the date passes with no payment, you can send a letter before claim and then make a claim in the county court. Many firms first offer a payment plan, which often costs less than going to court.
Xevrion's Invoice follow-up never adds interest by itself. On a final notice you choose whether to add statutory interest and the fixed sum, and a person approves the email before it is sent.
Sources
- Late commercial payments: charging interest and debt recovery. GOV.UK. Published Current guidance.
- Invoice reminder templates. Xevrion. Checked 8 October 2026.
- Late payment interest calculator. Xevrion. Checked 8 October 2026.
Last checked: 8 October 2026.