Before you chase a late invoice

Use this checklist to get the facts clear and keep the relationship professional. No login, payment or data entry.

1. Check the invoice reference, the customer and the agreed due date.
2. Check the original payment terms, purchase order, payment instructions and any dispute.
3. Subtract confirmed part-payments to find the actual amount still outstanding.
4. Ask for a specific payment-date update, without implying legal rights or penalties you have not checked.
5. Log the date of your follow-up, the contact, their response and the next action.
6. If the invoice is disputed, resolve the underlying issue before routine reminders.
7. Save the supporting correspondence securely and keep sensitive information out of public tools.

This is general administrative guidance for UK freelancers, not legal or regulated debt-recovery advice.