How to recover an unpaid invoice (step by step)
The full process — a reminder, a Letter Before Action, then a County Court claim.
Guides
Late payment,
explained plainly.
Plain-English explainers on UK late-payment law and how to recover an unpaid B2B invoice — written to be clear, not to replace legal advice.
Direct answer
To recover an unpaid B2B invoice in England & Wales you normally work through three stages: a polite reminder, then a Letter Before Action, then a County Court claim if the debt is still unpaid. These guides explain each step, the late-payment law behind it, and how to judge whether a claim is worth bringing. RobinReturn is not a law firm and does not give legal advice.
Start here
The essentials.
Short, accurate explainers that cover the parts of UK debt recovery small businesses often get stuck on.
The Late Payment of Commercial Debts Act, explained
The statutory interest and fixed compensation you can add to a late B2B invoice.
The Pre-Action Protocol for Debt Claims, explained
What to send a debtor before a County Court claim, and the response windows to allow.
The letter before action, before a small claim
Why the small claims court expects one, what it says for an unpaid invoice, and how long to wait.
Letter before claim vs letter before action
Letter before claim, letter of claim, letter before action — one letter, and which rules apply to yours.
Money Claim Online (MCOL): a step-by-step guide
How to issue a County Court money claim through the government's MCOL service.
How long do I have to chase an unpaid invoice?
The six-year limitation window, what 'statute-barred' means, and why to act early.
What evidence do I need to claim an unpaid invoice?
The five documents that support an undisputed claim — and what to do if you only have the invoice.
What is a County Court Judgment (CCJ)?
How you get a CCJ on an unpaid invoice, what it means once entered, and the options if it goes unpaid.
How to check a company can pay before you sue
Winning is not the same as getting paid — the free checks that tell you whether a claim is worth it.
What is a statutory demand?
The formal 21-day demand for an undisputed debt — when it fits, and why it's the wrong tool for a disputed one.
What is a winding-up petition?
The creditor's insolvency route for an unpaid company debt — the £750 threshold, and why it is for undisputed debts only.
Is debt recovery regulated in the UK?
FCA authorisation applies to consumer credit, not B2B trade debts — where RobinReturn sits, and when to take advice.
What is a default judgment?
The County Court Judgment you win when the debtor does not respond — the response window, requesting it, and setting aside.
What to do when a customer will not pay
A calm plan for an unpaid invoice — and how can't-pay, won't-pay and disputing each need a different next move.
The N1 claim form and Particulars of Claim
What goes on the County Court claim form for an unpaid invoice, the statement of truth, and how RobinReturn prepares it.
VAT bad debt relief on an unpaid invoice
Reclaim the VAT you paid HMRC on an invoice the customer never paid — the six-month rule, and why it is a fallback.
Ready to act on
an unpaid invoice?
Check your eligibility in five questions, or start with a reminder. RobinReturn is not a law firm and does not give legal advice.