Small Bot Fix Templates Final notice for an unpaid invoice
Final notice for an unpaid invoice (30 days late)
A month late, after three reminders, it's time for a final notice. It sets a clear deadline and says what happens next, without threats or made-up fees.
Send it 30 days after the due date. The firm version asks for payment within 7 days, or a firm payment date, and says you can't take on new work until it's settled. Only say that if it's true.
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The template
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Subject: Final notice: invoice #[invoice number] is 30 days overdue
Hi [client name], Invoice #[invoice number] for [amount] was due on [due date] and is now 30 days overdue. I've sent several reminders and haven't had a reply. You can pay here: [pay link] This is my final notice. Please pay in full within 7 days, or reply with a firm date when payment will be made. Until it's settled, I can't take on any new work for you. Regards, [your name]
Subject: Final notice: invoice #[invoice number] is 30 days overdue
Hi [client name], I'm writing one last time about invoice #[invoice number] for [amount], which was due on [due date] and is now 30 days overdue. I've sent a few reminders and we haven't been able to sort it out yet. You can pay here: [pay link] If there's a problem with the invoice, or paying in two parts would help, please reply and tell me what would work. I'd much rather settle this together. Thanks, [your name]
The step before it: day 14
If you haven't sent a third reminder yet, this is the one that goes out two weeks after the due date.
Subject: Third reminder: invoice #[invoice number] ([amount])
Hi [client name], Invoice #[invoice number] for [amount] was due on [due date] and is now 14 days overdue. I haven't had a reply to my earlier reminders. You can pay here: [pay link] If payment isn't received within 7 days, I'll need to pause any further work until it's settled. Regards, [your name]
Subject: Third reminder: invoice #[invoice number] ([amount])
Hi [client name], This is my third reminder about invoice #[invoice number] for [amount], which was due on [due date] and is now 14 days overdue. You can pay here: [pay link] I'd really appreciate payment in the next few days. If something's holding it up, please reply so we can work it out. Thanks for your help, [your name]
Tips
- Only promise next steps you're prepared to take. Pausing new work is usually the real lever a freelancer has.
- Late fees: only mention one if your contract or invoice terms already say so. These templates never add one.
- If there's still no answer, pick up the phone. A short call often gets further than a fifth email.
Quick answers
What should a final notice for an unpaid invoice say?
The invoice number, amount and due date, that earlier reminders went unanswered, a pay link, and a clear deadline with the next step you will actually take, such as not starting new work.
Can I add a late fee in a final notice?
Only if your contract or invoice terms already allow one. Small Bot Fix templates do not add late fees.
The other reminders in the set
Not sure where to start? Read how to chase a late invoice, a short checklist.