Work out the statutory interest and fixed compensation you can claim on a late business invoice, under the Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998.
If another business pays your invoice late, the Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998 lets you claim interest and a fixed sum of compensation, unless your contract sets out a different rate of interest for late payment.
| Amount owed | Compensation |
|---|---|
| Up to £999.99 | £40 |
| £1,000 to £9,999.99 | £70 |
| £10,000 or more | £100 |
The rate that applies depends on when interest starts to run.
| Interest starts | Base rate | Statutory rate |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Jul – 31 Dec 2026 | 3.75% | 11.75% |
| 1 Jan – 30 Jun 2026 | 3.75% | 11.75% |
| 1 Jul – 31 Dec 2025 | 4.25% | 12.25% |
| 1 Jan – 30 Jun 2025 | 4.75% | 12.75% |
| 1 Jul – 31 Dec 2024 | 5.25% | 13.25% |
| 1 Jan – 30 Jun 2024 | 5.25% | 13.25% |
A £1,200 invoice was due on 1 September 2026 and paid on 14 October 2026, 43 days late. Interest started in the July–December 2026 period, so the rate is 11.75% (8% + 3.75%). Daily interest is £1,200 × 11.75% ÷ 365 = £0.39, so interest for 43 days is £16.61. Add £70 fixed compensation, for a total claim of £86.61.
This calculator is a guide, not legal advice. It doesn’t apply to consumer sales, or where your contract sets out its own late payment terms. For full details, see the government’s guidance on late commercial payments and the Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998.
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