Final Payment Reminder Letter
A firm, polite final reminder for an overdue invoice in England and Wales — the step before a formal letter before action.
Applies in England and Wales. General information, not legal advice — talk to a lawyer about your situation.
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A final reminder is the last informal step when an invoice is overdue. It gives the customer one more clear chance to pay before you move to a formal letter before action and, if needed, a court claim in England and Wales.
When to use it
- An invoice is overdue and one or two friendly reminders have been ignored.
- You want a clear paper trail before taking formal steps.
How it works
- Enter the invoice details — The invoice number, what it was for, the amount and the date it was due.
- Add how to pay — Give your bank details or payment link.
- Send it and keep a copy — Email it and post it. Keep a copy and note the date — you will rely on it if the matter goes further.
Making it valid
- Only your own signature is needed — no witness or notary.
- If the 7 days pass without payment, the next step is a letter before action.
Common mistakes
- Threatening court action in a reminder and then not following through.
- Getting the amount or invoice number wrong.
Questions
- Is a final reminder the same as a letter before action?
- No. A reminder is informal. A letter before action is the formal step the courts expect before a claim, with set information and response times.
- How long should I give them to pay?
- Seven days is common for a final reminder. A formal letter before action then gives 14 days to a business, or 30 days to an individual or sole trader.