What is Past Due Invoice?
A past due invoice is an unpaid invoice whose stated payment due date has passed.
A past due invoice is unpaid after its due date
For example, an invoice issued October 1 with payment due October 15 becomes past due on October 16 if the full balance has not been received. Record the original due date, amount outstanding, and days overdue before sending a reminder.
Past Due Invoice vs Outstanding Invoice
Outstanding means some or all of the invoice remains unpaid. Past due is more specific: the balance is unpaid after the stated due date. An invoice can be outstanding on October 10 while still due October 15; it becomes past due only after that deadline passes.
How to Handle a Past Due Invoice
First verify that the invoice was sent to the right contact and that no payment, credit, or dispute is missing from your records. Then send a reminder with the invoice number, original due date, outstanding balance, payment link, and a specific request for payment or an expected payment date. Keep each follow-up in the customer record.
Past Due Invoice Example
Invoice INV-1048 was issued October 1 for $1,200 with Net 14 terms and an October 15 due date. No payment was recorded by October 16, so the invoice status changes from outstanding to past due. A reminder should reference INV-1048, the $1,200 balance, the October 15 due date, and the available payment method.
Late Fees and Interest on Past Due Invoices
Keep the original invoice balance separate from any late fee or interest calculation. Before adding a charge, confirm the signed agreement, invoice terms, grace period, calculation method, and applicable rules. If those conditions are unclear, request the original balance and obtain qualified advice before adding a fee.