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Invoice Late Fee Calculator

Calculate exactly what to charge on an overdue invoice — instantly.

1.5%/month is the most common rate

Original invoice$1,500.00
Late fee (1.5%/mo)$0.00
Days overdue30 days
Monthly accrual$0.00/mo
Total amount due$1,522.50

Invoice language to use

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What's a Reasonable Late Fee Rate?

The industry standard for freelance late fees is 1.5% per month (18% annually). This is low enough that most clients won't dispute it, yet high enough to create a real incentive to pay on time. Some freelancers use 2% per month — check your contract and local laws before going higher.

The most important thing: your late fee policy should be stated in your contract and on every invoice before the work begins. You cannot retroactively add a late fee if it wasn't agreed to in advance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, in most jurisdictions, provided it was agreed to in writing before the work began. Include your late fee policy in your contract and on the bottom of every invoice. Without prior agreement, enforcement becomes difficult.
For small overages with good clients, many freelancers waive the fee as a goodwill gesture. For chronic late payers or large amounts, enforcing it sends a clear message. The mere existence of a late fee policy often prevents late payment in the first place.
Create a new invoice or send a revised one showing: original amount, late fee as a line item with the calculation clearly shown, and the new total. Keep the original invoice number for reference.
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