FreelanXPayment reminders and formal notice
Three messages for late payments, from a friendly nudge to a formal notice that cites interest and recovery costs.
Subject: Invoice [number] — reminder
Hello [Client], a quick reminder that invoice [number] of [amount], due on [date], is still open. You will find it attached. Could you let me know when the payment is planned? Thank you, [Name]
Subject: Invoice [number] overdue
Hello [Client], invoice [number] of [amount] is now [number] days overdue. Please arrange payment by [date]. If there is a problem with the invoice, tell me and we will fix it quickly. [Name]
Subject: Formal notice — invoice [number]
Dear [Client], despite my reminders of [dates], invoice [number] of [amount], due on [date], remains unpaid. I formally request payment of [amount] by [date, at least 8 days], together with late-payment interest at [rate] from [due date] and the fixed compensation for recovery costs of [EUR 40 / GBP 40–100], as provided by [law]. Without payment by that date, I will take the steps available to me to recover the amount. [Name, business, address]
Step by step
- 1Send the first reminder a few days after the due date.
- 2Keep a record of every reminder.
- 3Send the formal notice by a traceable means (registered mail or email with read receipt).
Watch-outs
What changes from one country to another, with the legal source.
Statutory interest and at least EUR 40 for recovery costs between businesses.
Directive 2011/7/EU, art. 3 and 6Late penalty of at least three times the legal interest rate and EUR 40 indemnity.
Code de commerce L441-10Interest at 8% above base rate plus GBP 40, 70 or 100 depending on the debt.
Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998, s 5ALate fees and interest apply only if agreed in the contract, within state usury limits.
State lawLegal references checked on 15 Oct 2026. Rules change: check the source before you rely on it.
Questions people ask
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Is this legal advice?
This template is for information and does not constitute legal advice; adapt it to your situation and local law.