{"id":32716,"date":"2026-11-02T14:28:00","date_gmt":"2026-11-02T14:28:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/?p=32716"},"modified":"2026-11-03T10:10:11","modified_gmt":"2026-11-03T10:10:11","slug":"client-invoice-payment-creative-freelancers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/client-invoice-payment-creative-freelancers\/","title":{"rendered":"Your client still hasn\u2019t paid your freelance invoice. Now what?\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"<header class=\"entry-header has-dark-background-color entry-header--standard\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"entry-header__row row align-center\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-lg-7 col-xlg-6 entry-header__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"component component-single-header\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"entry-header__misc text--subtitle text--uppercase text--small\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/category\/strategy-legal-operations\/\" class=\"entry-header__link\">Strategy, Legal &amp; Operations<\/a>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"entry-title-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h1 class=\"entry-title\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tYour client still hasn\u2019t paid your freelance invoice. Now what? \t\t\t\t\t<\/h1>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"entry-header__description\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tSend a short, specific reminder today. Include the invoice number, amount and original due date, then ask your client to confirm when payment will be made. Keep the tone warm, but do not leave the action vague. \t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-8 col-lg-4 entry-header__image\">\n\t\t\t<figure class=\"entry-header__thumbnail js-hero-section\">\n\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1440\" height=\"810\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2026\/10\/doubtful-friend-1440x810.jpg\" class=\"entry-header__thumbnail-image\" alt=\"\" fetchpriority=\"high\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2026\/10\/doubtful-friend-1440x810.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2026\/10\/doubtful-friend-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2026\/10\/doubtful-friend-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2026\/10\/doubtful-friend-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2026\/10\/doubtful-friend-2048x1152.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px\" \/>\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"single-post-details container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"col\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"posted-on \">Published <time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2026-11-02T14:28:00+00:00\">2 November, 2026<\/time><\/span><span class=\"reading-time\"> min read<\/span>\n\t\t<button\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\tclass=\"social-share-button button button--icon button--secondary js-social-share-button\"\n\t\t\tdata-share-title=\"Your client still hasn\u2019t paid your freelance invoice. Now what?\u00a0\"\n\t\t\tdata-share-url=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/client-invoice-payment-creative-freelancers\/\"\n\t\t\tdata-share-text=\"Please read this interesting article\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"social-share-button__share-label\">Share<\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"social-share-button__copy-label\" hidden>Copy Link<\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"social-share-button__copy-tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\" hidden>Copied<\/span>\n\t\t<\/button>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<\/header>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-author has-dark-background-color alignfull\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"col\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"co-authors\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t<div class=\"entry-author-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t<a class=\"entry-author\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/author\/asavinwattanajantra\/\">\n\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"40\" height=\"40\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2026\/03\/Asavin-350x350.jpg\" class=\"entry-author__image\" alt=\"Asavin\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2026\/03\/Asavin-350x350.jpg 350w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2026\/03\/Asavin-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2026\/03\/Asavin-810x810.jpg 810w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2026\/03\/Asavin.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 40px) 100vw, 40px\" \/>\t\t\t\t<span class=\"entry-author__name\">Asavin Wattanajantra<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<section id=\"key-takeaways\" class=\"wp-block-sage-key-takeaways\"><div class=\"sage-key-takeaways__inner\"><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-h-3-font-size\">Key takeaways<\/h2>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Treat the payment as a business commitment, however well you get on with the client.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Include the invoice number, amount, due date and next action in every reminder.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Increase the clarity of each follow-up rather than increasing the emotion.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Put any revised payment date or instalment arrangement in writing.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Agree the scope, payment stages, revisions and additional charges before the next project begins.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/section>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Chasing a client can feel as though the reminder carries a second message: will asking again make you look difficult, or put future work at risk? That\u2019s why it feels natural to delay the conversation, soften the request until it is difficult to understand, or hope the payment will arrive without having to chase again.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But silence doesn\u2019t protect the relationship. It leaves the invoice unresolved and gives frustration more time to build. You can keep the tone friendly, but the payment conversation still needs structure. Clarity can be kinder than softness because it gives both of you the best way to resolve the problem.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>This article gives general guidance for UK freelancers. Contracts, clients, and recovery options vary, so obtain appropriate legal or credit-control advice before taking formal action.<\/em>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here are our tips:<\/p>\n\n\n<?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><div class=\"wp-block-yoast-seo-table-of-contents yoast-table-of-contents\"><ul><li><a href=\"#Check-the-facts-before-choosing-your-tone\" data-level=\"2\">Check the facts before choosing your tone<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Use-a-three-message-sequence\" data-level=\"2\">Use a three-message sequence<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Use-the-usual-channel-but-keep-a-written-record\" data-level=\"2\">Use the usual channel but keep a written record<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Do-not-apologise-for-the-payment-itself\" data-level=\"2\">Do not apologise for the payment itsel f<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#If-your-friend-says-they-cannot-pay\" data-level=\"2\">If your client says they cannot pay<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Know-when-the-conversation-becomes-formal\" data-level=\"2\">Know when the conversation becomes formal<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Make-the-next-project-with-a-friend-easier\" data-level=\"2\">Make the next project easier<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-final-thoughts\" data-level=\"2\">Final thoughts<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-frequently-asked-questions-nbsp\" data-level=\"2\">Frequently asked questions&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"single-cta\">\n\t<div class=\"single-cta__positioner on-scroll-highlight__target\">\n\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__wrapper has-dark-background-color\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"single-cta__title h3\">Flexible, free, HMRC-approved accounting<\/h2>\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/products\/sage-sole-trader\/\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"single-cta__button button button--primary\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tid=\"cta-id-32735\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-button-location=\"cta_box\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>Get Sage Sole Trader free<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2026\/10\/AdobeStock_2226390347.jpg\" class=\"single-cta__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2026\/10\/AdobeStock_2226390347.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 33vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"Check-the-facts-before-choosing-your-tone\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Check the facts before choosing your tone<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Spend five minutes establishing what has happened. Check that the invoice reached the right person, the payment date has passed, the amount and bank details are correct, and no query about the work remains unanswered. Note any payment date your client has already promised.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you didn\u2019t agree a payment date, check the position before describing the invoice as late. For many business transactions, GOV.UK says payment must usually be made within 30 days of the customer receiving the invoice or the goods or service. Read the current <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/invoicing-and-taking-payment-from-customers\/payment-obligations\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">payment obligations guidance<\/a> and consider the actual agreement and parties involved.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Once the facts are clear, match the message to the stage of the problem. A forgotten invoice needs a reminder. A vague promise needs a date. Repeated silence needs a final request and a decision about what you are prepared to do next.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If your client disputes the work or amount, stop treating the problem as a simple payment delay. Ask them to explain the issue specifically and in writing, then compare it with the agreed scope and fee. Don\u2019t reduce or abandon the invoice simply to avoid discomfort; obtain advice if the disagreement is substantial.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"Use-a-three-message-sequence\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Use a three-message sequence<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here&#8217;s a suggestion of how to proceed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"1-Send-a-friendly-reminder\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>1. Send a friendly reminder<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Use this when the agreed due date has passed and payment has not arrived.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Hi [name], I\u2019m following up on invoice [number] for \u00a3[amount], which was due on [date]. I haven\u2019t received the payment yet. Could you confirm when it will be made? I\u2019ve attached the invoice again. Thanks.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The question asks for an outcome. \u2018Could you take a look?\u2019 may only produce another vague reply, while \u2018Could you confirm when payment will be made?\u2019 requires a date or an explanation.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"2-Ask-for-a-specific-date\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>2. Ask for a specific date<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If the first message produces silence or an unclear answer, make the next action and deadline explicit.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Hi [name], I\u2019m following up again on invoice [number] for \u00a3[amount], due on [date]. Please arrange payment or confirm a specific payment date by [date]. If there is a problem with the invoice, let me know by then so we can address it.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The message is firmer because it removes ambiguity, not because you\u2019re being hostile. All you are doing is asking a client to pay, identify a genuine problem or make a concrete commitment.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"3-Send-a-final-payment-request\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>3. Send a final payment request<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When reminders have been ignored or commitments missed, state that this is the final request before you consider further action.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Hi [name], this is my final payment request for invoice [number] for \u00a3[amount], which was due on [date]. Please make payment by [new date], or contact me by then with a clear proposal. If I do not hear from you, I will need to consider the appropriate next steps for recovering the outstanding payment.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Only name a formal step that you are genuinely prepared to take. Don\u2019t threaten court action, interest or additional charges simply to make the message sound serious.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"Use-the-usual-channel-but-keep-a-written-record\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Use the usual channel but keep a written record<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A first nudge on whatever channel you normally use with that client, even a messaging app, can be reasonable. Attach or link to the invoice so the request is easy to act on. If the first informal reminder is ignored, move the follow-up to email or another suitable written channel.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">After a call or conversation, send a short written confirmation of what was agreed. Record the outstanding balance, any instalment amounts and every payment date. This is useful for both of you and avoids relying on different memories later.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"Do-not-apologise-for-the-payment-itself\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Do not apologise for the payment itsel<\/strong>f<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can be courteous without writing \u2018Sorry to bother you\u2019 or \u2018Don\u2019t worry if you can\u2019t do it yet\u2019. Those phrases can make an agreed payment sound optional. Use a warm greeting or closing if that&#8217;s your usual tone with the client, but keep the request itself factual: \u2018I\u2019m following up on\u2026\u2019 or \u2018Please confirm\u2026\u2019.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"If-your-friend-says-they-cannot-pay\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>If your client says they cannot pay<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ask for a proposal rather than accepting an indefinite promise. If you are willing and able to consider instalments, ask them to state the amount and date of each payment. You can then decide whether the arrangement works for you.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Thanks for letting me know. Please send me a proposed payment plan showing the amount and date of each instalment. I\u2019ll confirm in writing whether that arrangement works for me.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Offering more time is a commercial decision, not something you owe any client automatically. If you agree, record the revised balance and dates in writing, and decide in advance what you will do if the plan is missed.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"Know-when-the-conversation-becomes-formal\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Know when the conversation becomes formal<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For qualifying business-to-business debts, UK rules may allow statutory interest and recovery costs. GOV.UK currently describes statutory interest as 8% plus the Bank of England base rate unless the contract sets a different rate. Check the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/late-commercial-payments-interest-debt-recovery\/charging-interest-commercial-debt\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">late commercial payment rules<\/a> carefully because they do not apply to every client or agreement.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you are a UK small business with an unresolved dispute involving a larger customer, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.smallbusinesscommissioner.gov.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Small Business Commissioner<\/a> may be able to help. A county court claim is another possible route in England and Wales, although GOV.UK notes that <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/make-court-claim-for-money\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">mediation may be quicker and cheaper<\/a>. Scotland and Northern Ireland use different processes.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These options change the nature of the dispute. Review the contract, evidence, value of the debt and likely costs, then obtain advice before choosing one. A long-standing or valuable client relationship doesn&#8217;t remove the debt, but it may understandably affect how you choose to resolve the situation.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"Make-the-next-project-with-a-friend-easier\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Make the next project easier<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Move the money conversation to the start of the project. Agree the deliverables, total fee, deposit or payment stages, due dates, included revisions, additional-work charges and relevant production expenses. Creative work may also require clear usage or licensing terms.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When the scope changes, describe the commercial effect before doing the extra work: \u2018Happy to help. That sits outside the agreed scope, so I\u2019ll send the additional fee and timing before I begin.\u2019 Written terms aren&#8217;t a sign of distrust. They reduce the chance of two people remembering the same conversation differently.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-final-thoughts\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Final thoughts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For a broader process covering payment terms, deposits, follow-up and recovery measures, read the Sage <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/late-payments-get-paid-faster\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">guide to getting clients to pay on time<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For the invoice in front of you now, stop rewriting the message. Confirm the amount and due date, choose the stage that matches the situation, attach the invoice and send it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A clear request gives you a better chance of resolving the payment before unspoken frustration becomes the larger problem.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>This article provides general information for UK freelancers and is not legal or financial advice. Payment rights, contracts and recovery procedures depend on the parties and circumstances. Check current official guidance and seek appropriate professional advice before taking formal action.&nbsp;<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-sage-faq\">\n\t\n<h2 id=\"h-frequently-asked-questions-nbsp\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Frequently asked questions&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h2>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"faq-items\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-sage-faq-item\" id=\"faq-item-4dedc8b9\">\n\t<div class=\"faq-item-question\">\n\t\t\n<h3 id=\"h-how-do-i-politely-remind-a-client-to-pay-an-invoice-nbsp\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How do I politely remind a client to pay an invoice?&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h3>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"faq-item-answer\">\n\t\t\t\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">State the invoice number, amount and original due date, attach the invoice again and ask when payment will be made. A specific, courteous request is easier to act on than an indirect hint or a long explanation.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-sage-faq-item\" id=\"faq-item-511c4f91\">\n\t<div class=\"faq-item-question\">\n\t\t\n<h3 id=\"h-should-i-apologise-when-chasing-payment-nbsp\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Should I apologise when chasing payment?&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h3>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"faq-item-answer\">\n\t\t\t\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You do not need to apologise for following up on an agreed payment. Keep the greeting and closing warm if appropriate, but make the request itself factual.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-sage-faq-item\" id=\"faq-item-af54c392\">\n\t<div class=\"faq-item-question\">\n\t\t\n<h3 id=\"h-when-should-i-send-a-firmer-reminder-nbsp\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>When should I send a firmer reminder?&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h3>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"faq-item-answer\">\n\t\t\t\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Send one when the first reminder has not produced payment or a specific commitment. Use the terms and circumstances to choose a reasonable deadline, but do not let repeated vague replies replace an agreed payment date.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-sage-faq-item\" id=\"faq-item-01dc4cf3\">\n\t<div class=\"faq-item-question\">\n\t\t\n<h3 id=\"h-can-i-charge-interest-on-an-overdue-freelance-invoice-nbsp\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Can I charge interest on an overdue freelance invoice?&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h3>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"faq-item-answer\">\n\t\t\t\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You may have that right for a qualifying business-to-business debt, subject to the contract and current late-payment rules. Confirm that the rules apply before adding interest or recovery costs, and consider obtaining professional advice.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-sage-faq-item\" id=\"faq-item-220d6a36\">\n\t<div class=\"faq-item-question\">\n\t\t\n<h3 id=\"h-what-if-my-client-genuinely-cannot-pay-nbsp\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What if my client genuinely cannot pay?&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h3>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"faq-item-answer\">\n\t\t\t\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ask for a written proposal with specific instalment amounts and dates. You can decide whether to accept it. Record any revised arrangement and what will happen if a payment is missed.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/section>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"single-cta\">\n\t<div class=\"single-cta__positioner on-scroll-highlight__target\">\n\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__wrapper has-dark-background-color\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"single-cta__title h3\">Flexible, free, HMRC-approved accounting<\/h2>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__description\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>Get one free app to manage income, payments, and taxes. Sage Sole Trader is free tax and accounting software built for freelancers like you.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/products\/sage-sole-trader\/\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"single-cta__button button button--primary\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tid=\"cta-id-32735\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-button-location=\"cta_box\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>Get Sage Sole Trader free<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2026\/10\/AdobeStock_2226390347.jpg\" class=\"single-cta__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2026\/10\/AdobeStock_2226390347.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 33vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<section class=\"more-topics alignfull has-grey-light-background-color wp-block-sage-post-topics\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"row\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-12 col-lg-4\">\n\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"more-topics__title h2\">Browse more topics from this article<\/h3>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-12 col-lg-8\">\n\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"post-tags__list\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"post-tags__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/tag\/bookkeeping\/\" class=\"post-tags__link button button--secondary\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tBookkeeping\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"post-tags__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/tag\/business-costs\/\" class=\"post-tags__link button button--secondary\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tBusiness costs\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"post-tags__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/tag\/business-finances\/\" class=\"post-tags__link button button--secondary\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tBusiness finances\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"post-tags__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/tag\/business-performance\/\" class=\"post-tags__link button button--secondary\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tBusiness performance\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"post-tags__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/tag\/business-support\/\" class=\"post-tags__link button button--secondary\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tBusiness support\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"post-tags__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/tag\/freelancers\/\" class=\"post-tags__link button button--secondary\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFreelancers\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"post-tags__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/tag\/payments\/\" class=\"post-tags__link button button--secondary\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPayments\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"post-tags__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/tag\/work-life-balance\/\" class=\"post-tags__link button button--secondary\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWork-life balance\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<div class=\"alignfull wp-block-sage-related-posts\">\n\t<section class=\"related-posts card-grid has-dark-background-color\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"row\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"related-posts__heading related-posts__heading--featured h1\">Explore more wisdom<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"row related-posts__featured\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col card-grid__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<article\n\t\tclass=\"card-post related-post related-post-0 post-32783 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-money-matters tag-bookkeeping tag-business-finances tag-cash-flow tag-freelancers tag-tax business_type-small-business card-post--is-clickable\"\n>\n\t<div class=\"card-post__media-wrapper\">\n\t\t<figure class=\"card-post__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1440\" height=\"810\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2026\/12\/AdobeStock_2236210925-1440x810.jpg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2026\/12\/AdobeStock_2236210925-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2026\/12\/AdobeStock_2236210925-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2026\/12\/AdobeStock_2236210925-1440x810.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 250px, (min-width: 30em) 100vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t<div class=\"card-post__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__label\">Recommended<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2026-11-03T17:04:56+00:00\">3 November, 2026<\/time><\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"reading-time\">8 min read<\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<p class=\"card-post__title h3\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__title-link\"\n\t\t\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/allowable-expenses-for-creative-freelancers-what-can-you-claim\/\"\n\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tAllowable expenses for creative freelancers: What can you claim?\u00a0\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"card-post__description\">\n\t\t\t\tSoftware, studio hire, a new laptop, or coffee while you work: which costs count as business expenses? Here\u2019s how to separate claimable costs from personal spending and keep useful records. \t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"row related-posts__non-featured\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-12\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"related-posts__heading related-posts__heading--more h4\">More on this Topic<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-6 col-lg-3 card-grid__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<article\n\t\tclass=\"card-post related-post related-post-1 post-32725 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-money-matters category-strategy-legal-operations tag-bookkeeping tag-finance tag-freelancers tag-payments business_type-small-business\"\n>\n\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__link\"\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/afford-purchase-spend-creative-freelancers\/\"\n\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t<figure class=\"card-post__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"684\" height=\"384\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2026\/10\/AdobeStock_2053729795-684x384.jpg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2026\/10\/AdobeStock_2053729795-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2026\/10\/AdobeStock_2053729795-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2026\/10\/AdobeStock_2053729795-1440x810.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 250px, (min-width: 30em) 100vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2026-11-03T17:04:36+00:00\">3 November, 2026<\/time><\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"reading-time\">7 min read<\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<p class=\"card-post__title h5\">\n\t\t\tCan I afford this? A freelancer\u2019s guide to spending during a quiet month\u00a0\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-6 col-lg-3 card-grid__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<article\n\t\tclass=\"card-post related-post related-post-2 post-32789 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-money-matters tag-bookkeeping tag-business-costs tag-business-finances tag-freelancers tag-tax business_type-small-business\"\n>\n\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__link\"\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/freelancer-tax-amount\/\"\n\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t<figure class=\"card-post__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"684\" height=\"384\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2026\/10\/AdobeStock_2059781250-684x384.jpg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2026\/10\/AdobeStock_2059781250-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2026\/10\/AdobeStock_2059781250-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2026\/10\/AdobeStock_2059781250-1440x810.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 250px, (min-width: 30em) 100vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2026-11-03T17:03:50+00:00\">3 November, 2026<\/time><\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"reading-time\">8 min read<\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<p class=\"card-post__title h5\">\n\t\t\tHow much should a freelancer put aside for tax?\u00a0\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-6 col-lg-3 card-grid__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<article\n\t\tclass=\"card-post related-post related-post-3 post-32775 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-money-matters tag-bookkeeping tag-freelancers tag-make-receive-payments tag-performance-management tag-tax business_type-small-business\"\n>\n\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__link\"\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/how-to-manage-feast-or-famine-income-as-a-freelancer\/\"\n\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t<figure class=\"card-post__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"684\" height=\"384\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2026\/10\/AdobeStock_462762333-684x384.jpg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2026\/10\/AdobeStock_462762333-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2026\/10\/AdobeStock_462762333-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2026\/10\/AdobeStock_462762333-1440x810.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 250px, (min-width: 30em) 100vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2026-11-02T14:36:00+00:00\">2 November, 2026<\/time><\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"reading-time\">8 min read<\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<p class=\"card-post__title h5\">\n\t\t\tHow to manage feast-or-famine income as a freelancer\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-6 col-lg-3 card-grid__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<article\n\t\tclass=\"card-post related-post related-post-4 post-32746 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-free-guides-templates category-strategy-legal-operations tag-bookkeeping tag-freelancers tag-mtd-business tag-making-tax-digital-for-income-tax tag-payments tag-tax business_type-small-business\"\n>\n\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__link\"\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/freelancer-tax-terms-explained-in-plain-english\/\"\n\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t<figure class=\"card-post__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"684\" height=\"384\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2026\/10\/AdobeStock_420553376-684x384.jpg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2026\/10\/AdobeStock_420553376-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2026\/10\/AdobeStock_420553376-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2026\/10\/AdobeStock_420553376-1440x810.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 250px, (min-width: 30em) 100vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg role=\"presentation\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" class=\"card-post__meta-icon svg-icon\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\"><path d=\"M11.988 2.989a.75.75 0 0 0-.739.761v10.689l-1.72-1.72a.75.75 0 0 0-.957-.099.75.75 0 0 0-.315.776c.031.146.104.28.211.384l3 3a.75.75 0 0 0 1.06 0l3-3a.76.76 0 0 0 .231-.533.74.74 0 0 0-.22-.538q-.108-.106-.247-.164c-.139-.058-.191-.057-.291-.056s-.198.022-.29.061-.174.097-.243.169l-1.72 1.72V3.75a.76.76 0 0 0-.22-.541.76.76 0 0 0-.542-.22zM5.75 8.5C4.24 8.5 3 9.74 3 11.25v7C3 19.76 4.24 21 5.75 21h12.5c1.51 0 2.75-1.24 2.75-2.75v-7c0-1.51-1.24-2.75-2.75-2.75h-3a.76.76 0 0 0-.537.216.74.74 0 0 0-.223.535.76.76 0 0 0 .223.535.74.74 0 0 0 .537.216h3c.699 0 1.25.551 1.25 1.25v7a1.24 1.24 0 0 1-1.25 1.25H5.75a1.24 1.24 0 0 1-1.25-1.25v-7c0-.699.551-1.25 1.25-1.25h3a.76.76 0 0 0 .537-.216.74.74 0 0 0 .223-.535.76.76 0 0 0-.223-.535.75.75 0 0 0-.537-.216z\" \/><\/svg>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2026-11-02T14:35:00+00:00\">2 November, 2026<\/time><\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"reading-time\">9 min read<\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<p class=\"card-post__title h5\">\n\t\t\tFreelancer tax terms explained in plain English\u00a0\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Send a short, specific reminder today. Include the invoice number, amount and original due date, then ask your client to confirm when payment will be made. 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