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Invoice late fee calculator
Enter the invoice, how late it is, and the late fee in your contract. Get the fee, the new total, and a reminder email you can send in one click.
Reminder email
Subject: Invoice [invoice number] is 30 days overdue Hi, A quick reminder that invoice [invoice number] for $2,000.00 is now 30 days past due. As set out in our agreement, a late fee of 1.5% per month applies, which comes to $29.59 so far. The current total due is $2,029.59. If payment is already on its way, thank you and please ignore this note. Otherwise, could you let me know when to expect it? Thanks,
You can only charge a late fee your contract allows, and some US states and countries cap it (the EU sets a statutory rate for business payments). Check what applies to you.
How late fees on invoices work
A late fee is usually a monthly percentage of the unpaid amount, prorated per day, sometimes with a flat fee on top. It only works if it was agreed before the work started: in the contract or the terms on the invoice. In practice its biggest effect isn't the money, it's that clients pay you before the vendors who don't charge one.
FAQ
What is a normal late fee for freelancers?
1–2% per month on the overdue amount is common, often expressed as 1.5% a month (18% a year). Some freelancers add a small flat fee instead. Pick one, put it in the contract, and apply it consistently.
Can I charge a late fee if it's not in my contract?
Generally no, you can only charge what was agreed. In the EU, the Late Payment Directive gives businesses statutory interest and a €40 fixed compensation even without a clause, but it's much easier with one.
Is there a legal limit on late fees?
Often, yes. Several US states cap interest rates, and courts can strike down fees that look like penalties. Stay modest and check the rules where your client is.
How do I avoid chasing invoices at all?
Take a deposit before work starts and make the balance due on delivery. Contracts sent through our contract tool ask for the deposit the moment the client signs.
Stop chasing invoices.
Put a late-fee clause and a deposit in every contract. Clinch drafts it with AI, your client signs from their phone, and the deposit is requested at signature.
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