Past-Due Notice / Dunning Letter template and PDF guide (General)...
Prepare overdue payment notices online, then generate a dunning PDF for formal collections follow-up. Use this when a client's invoice has passed its payment due date and your...
When to use this template
Prepare overdue payment notices online, then generate a dunning PDF for formal collections follow-up. Use this when a client's invoice has passed its payment due date and your informal reminders have not resulted in payment, to formally notify them of the overdue amount and the consequences of continued non-payment.
What to include
- Date of the notice, customer name and address, and a clear subject line stating this is a past-due payment notice for a specific invoice number and amount.
- Original invoice details: invoice number, date issued, original due date, amount due, and the number of days the payment is overdue as of this notice.
- Payment history on this invoice: any partial payments received, credits applied, and the remaining balance currently outstanding.
- Late fees or interest charges applied per the contract terms, stated as a specific dollar amount added to the balance, with reference to the contract clause that authorizes them.
- Action required: the deadline to pay or contact you to arrange a payment plan, and the consequences of non-payment (lien filing, collections, suspension of warranty service, or legal action).
Common questions
- Can I create this Past-Due Notice / Dunning Letter online for each overdue account?
- Yes. Enter due amounts, deadlines, and escalation language in-browser before sending.
- Can I save this Past-Due Notice / Dunning Letter flow for recurring collections activity?
- Yes. With an account, save and reuse it to keep reminder cadence and messaging consistent.
- Can I generate a formal collections PDF from this Past-Due Notice / Dunning Letter?
- Yes. Export a professional notice PDF suitable for email and documented delivery.
- How many notices should I send before taking further action?
- A common pattern is a friendly reminder at 7 days past due, a formal notice at 30 days, a final warning at 60 days, and collections or lien action at 90 days.
- Can I charge late fees if they are not in my contract?
- Only if your contract or invoice states the late fee terms. Without a written agreement on late fees, you may not be able to enforce them.
- Should I keep doing warranty work for a client who has not paid?
- Check your contract. Many contracts allow you to suspend services, including warranty work, while invoices are past due. State this clearly in your dunning letter.
- When should I file a mechanics lien instead of sending another letter?
- Research your state's lien deadline, which can be as short as 60 days after completion. Do not let the lien filing window expire while sending polite letters.