Templates › Reminder & final notice templates
Exact wording to apply an agreed late payment fee to an overdue invoice: a reminder line, an itemised fee line and a waiver offer. Only charge what your terms allow. Not legal advice.
Having a late fee clause is one thing; actually applying it to an overdue invoice without souring the relationship is another. The wording should point to the term the client already agreed, show the maths, and give a simple way to avoid it (pay by a date). If you never agreed a fee in advance, don't invent one now: outside statutory B2B interest (UK, EU), a surprise fee is usually unenforceable and invites a dispute.
Three pieces of wording you need: (1) a pre-due reminder that the fee exists, (2) an itemised line on the updated invoice, and (3) an optional waiver offer if they pay by a deadline — often the fastest way to get the principal paid.
Related: late fee clauses for contracts · overdue invoice email template.
Subject: Invoice [INV-123]: late payment fee now applies Hi [Name], Invoice [INV-123] for [amount] was due on [due date] and is now [x] days overdue. Under clause [x] of our agreement dated [date], a late payment fee of [1.5% per month / flat $25] applies to overdue balances. I've attached an updated invoice: Original amount: [amount] Late payment fee ([rate] x [months/days]): [fee] Total now due: [total] If you can pay the original [amount] by [date + 5 days], I'm happy to waive the fee this time. Pay here: [payment link / bank details]. Thanks, [Your name]
Paste the amount, client, days overdue and region. Get the friendly, firm and final emails plus late-fee wording and calendar reminders in 20 seconds. 2 free, no signup.
Usually not for private contracts; the fee must be agreed in advance. UK and EU business-to-business debts are an exception because statutory interest and fixed compensation apply by law.
A flat fee is simpler to explain and calculate. A monthly percentage scales with the debt but must stay within local usury or penalty limits.
No. It is general wording only. Check your contract and local rules, or ask a qualified lawyer.
General information and draft wording only. Not legal advice. PaidNudge is not a law firm or a debt collector. Check your contract and local rules, or ask a qualified lawyer, before relying on any late fee, interest or court step.