Invoice Late Fee & Interest Calculator

Compute late fees and interest on overdue invoices. Deterministic, 100% client-side. Not legal advice — confirm allowable rates in your contract/jurisdiction.

Inputs
Amount due
Effective days overdue
Original balance
Late fee
Interest

Monthly simple prorates by days/30. Daily simple uses annual%/365 × days. Compounding applies the monthly rate over whole + fractional months.

About the Invoice Late Fee & Interest Calculator

Small businesses and freelancers frequently face cash flow disruptions caused by delinquent client payments. An invoice late fee and interest calculator helps accurately enforce contract terms by computing overdue penalties. Whether applying a flat administrative fee, simple monthly interest, or compound rates post-grace period, quantifying exact late charges simplifies collections and encourages timely remittance.

How it works

  1. Enter the original principal amount of the overdue invoice.
  2. Select the penalty structure: a flat fee, simple interest, or compound interest.
  3. Specify the annual or monthly interest rate and the total number of days past due.
  4. Account for any contractual grace periods to generate the final legally defensible penalty amount.

Frequently asked questions

Can a business charge any interest rate on late invoices?

No, businesses must adhere to state or national usury laws, which cap the maximum allowable interest rate that can be charged on commercial debts.

What is the difference between simple and compound interest for late fees?

Simple interest is calculated only on the original principal invoice amount. Compound interest charges interest on both the principal and any previously accumulated late fees, growing the debt faster.

Do I need a written contract to charge late fees?

Generally, yes. In most jurisdictions, you cannot unilaterally impose late fees or interest unless those terms were explicitly agreed upon in a signed contract or terms of service prior to the transaction.

What is a standard late fee percentage?

A common commercial standard is 1.5% per month, which equates to an 18% Annual Percentage Rate (APR).

References