Invoice payment terms in the UK

Choose a clear due date

You can agree your own payment terms, including payment upfront or a discount for early payment. State the actual due date on the invoice so neither side has to count days. GOV.UK says that, unless a payment date is agreed, the customer must pay within 30 days of receiving the invoice or the goods or service.

What to put on the invoice

• The due date, such as “Payment due 30 October 2026”.
• How to pay, such as bank transfer details.
• The invoice number to use as the payment reference.
• Any agreed deposit or staged payment arrangement, described clearly.

These practical details help customers process the invoice. They sit alongside the required invoice information.

If payment is late

Check the agreed date and whether the customer has received and accepted the invoice. Follow up with the invoice number, amount and due date. Rules on late commercial payments depend on the transaction and agreement; consult GOV.UK’s late payment guidance before adding interest or recovery charges.