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Final notice for an unpaid invoice: template and what to include

A final notice is the last polite step before you take a formal one. Done well, it gets paid more often than any earlier reminder, because it is clear, calm and specific about what happens next.

When to send it

Send a final notice once friendly reminders have gone unanswered, usually around 30 days after the due date. Before you send it, check the invoice is correct and that it reached the right person.

What to include

• The invoice number, the amount and the original due date.
• The dates of your earlier reminders.
• A new, final date to pay by (7 days is common).
• One simple way to pay: a payment link or bank details.
• What happens next if it isn’t paid, stated calmly (for example, pausing further work).
• An offer to talk or to agree a payment plan.

Template you can copy

Subject: Final notice: invoice {number} ({amount})

Hi {name},

Invoice {number} for {amount} was due on {due date}. I sent reminders on {dates} but haven’t received payment or a reply.

Please pay the full amount by {final date}: {link}

If there is a problem with the invoice, or you need to pay in instalments, reply or call me on {phone} before then and we’ll sort it out.

If I don’t hear from you by {final date}, I’ll need to pause any further work and consider the next steps to recover the amount.

Thanks,
{your name}
{business}

Keep the tone calm

Avoid threats you won’t carry out, capital letters and blame. A short, factual message is harder to ignore and looks better if you ever need to show it to someone else.

If it still isn’t paid

Call once more. If there is still no payment, options include a formal letter before action, mediation, a collection service or a small-claims process. Rules differ by country, so check what applies to you or speak to a qualified adviser before taking formal action.

Prevent the next one

Most final notices can be avoided with clear payment terms, a deposit on bigger jobs and a reminder schedule you actually follow.

Need wording? Get the 5 free reminder templates.

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More guides

• How to chase an unpaid invoice politely (step by step)
• What to do when a client won’t pay: a practical checklist
• Late payment email for freelancers (3 templates that work)

General information, not legal or financial advice. Rules differ by country.