Saying an invoice is unpaid requires clear, professional, and increasingly firm language, starting with "payment reminder" and moving to "past due" or "overdue". Common terms include "outstanding balance," "payment pending," or "unsettled". Key phrases like "action required" in subject lines and stating that "payment is now 30 days past due" are effective for prompt resolution.
I wanted to politely remind you about Invoice [Invoice Number], which is currently [Number of Days] days overdue. The original invoice was sent on [Date] and the due date was [Due Date]. The total outstanding amount is [Amount Due].
An outstanding invoice refers to a bill or payment that is still unpaid by a customer or client. It is an invoice that has been issued to the customer but has not been settled within the agreed-upon payment terms.
Tips for writing an effective payment reminder email
overdue invoices: Key differences. Every invoice falls into one of two categories: outstanding or overdue. Outstanding invoice: The customer hasn't paid yet, but the payment deadline hasn't passed. Overdue invoice: The invoice is past its due date, and the customer still hasn't paid.
Invoice [invoice number] is now overdue by [number of days overdue]. If we do not receive payment within 10 working days, we will refer the matter to a collection agency. As a last resort, we will seek to resolve the matter in court.
Other terms for outstanding invoices include unpaid invoices and open invoices. However, they're slightly different from past-due or overdue invoices, which refer to outstanding payments after the due date.
When politely reminding someone of payment, you should include the following information in your payment reminders:
Dear [Name], This is a friendly reminder that we haven't received payment for invoice [Invoice Number]. The payment was due on [Due Date]. We're not aware of any outstanding issues or reasons for non-payment, so we would like to respectfully ask you to make payment as soon as possible.
How to Ask a Client for Payment Politely
Issue a Final Demand Letter
If the invoice remains unpaid, a formal demand letter detailing the outstanding amount, deadline for payment, and potential consequences of non-payment may be necessary. This serves as an official notice before considering legal action.
Arrears. Arrears is a debt or payment that is not paid by the due date. It is another term for missed payments.
Dear [Manager/Supervisor's Name], I hope this message finds you well. I'm writing to bring to your attention an issue regarding my recent wages. I worked from [start date] to [end date], during which I was scheduled to be paid [state rate or salary, e.g., $25 per hour for 40 hours per week].
Examples of Overdue Payments in a sentence
If there are Overdue Payments outstanding for more than thirty (30) days, Modernizing Medicine reserves the right to suspend Users' access to the Software until such amounts are paid in full.
A “past-due invoice” is an invoice that is outstanding and beyond the due date agreed to by your business and your client.
Dear [customer name], This is a reminder that invoice [number] is now [X] days overdue and beyond the set payment terms. Please arrange the payment as soon as possible to avoid escalation. If you're having any difficulties paying, let me know and we can discuss a solution.
Typically, an overdue invoice letter includes essential details such as the invoice number, the amount due, the original due date, any late fees or penalties incurred, and instructions for making payment.
Send a polite but direct email on the due date
You can emphasize your desire to help by pointing out multiple payment options and asking if they have any additional questions regarding payment.
Start with a friendly reminder, including the due date and outstanding amount. If the payment is still delayed, you can mention the invoice late payment fee wording stated in your terms and kindly request an update on the payment status.
After 30 days, generally, the late payment will appear on your credit report. Late payments generally stay on your credit report for 7 years from the date of the missed payment, though the older a late payment is, the less of an impact it typically has on your credit score.
belated delinquent outstanding tardy unpaid. WEAK. behind time behindhand due held up hung up jammed long-delayed mature not punctual owing payable unpunctual unsettled.