When to send an invoice to collections: how late is too late?
When to send an invoice to collections: industry guidance puts the referral point at about 60 to 90 days past due, and many companies place accounts at 90 to 120 days. Send it sooner if the customer stops responding, breaks a payment plan or disputes accepted work, because the odds of collecting fall as an invoice ages.
When to send an invoice to collections: the signals
- The customer has stopped answering calls and emails.
- A promised payment or payment plan was broken.
- Checks bounce or card payments fail.
- The customer disputes work it previously accepted.
- The invoice has passed your aging cutoff (for example 60 or 90 days).
What does waiting cost?
| Time past due | Probability of collecting (CLLA chart) |
|---|---|
| At due date | 98% |
| 30 days | 94% |
| 60 days | 85% |
| 90 days | 74% |
| 6 months | 58% |
| 9 months | 43% |
| 1 year | 27% |
| 2 years | 14% |
Source: Commercial Law League of America, “Probability of Recovering Commercial Debt with Age”[source]. The figures describe commercial accounts in general, not any particular agency’s results.
What should you do before sending it to collections?
- Send a final demand letter with a deadline.
- Gather your documents (checklist).
- Choose a firm (questions to ask).
See also how to send someone to collections.
Get matched: agency, attorney, AI or certified firm
Tell us about the unpaid invoice and choose a preferred option, or let us recommend one: AI/automated collection, a collection attorney, a collection agency (local or national), or an IACC member, CLLA-certified or ACA International member agency. Matching is free, and nothing is placed until you approve a partner’s written terms.
Prefer email? Write to info@smallbizdebtcollection.com.
Frequently asked questions
Is 30 days too early to send an invoice to collections?
Usually, unless the customer has gone silent or shown signs of trouble. Most guidance points to 60 to 120 days, with earlier referral when contact breaks down.
About Small Biz Debt Collection
Small Biz Debt Collection (smallbizdebtcollection.com) is a free matching service that connects U.S. business owners who are owed money by other businesses with the right collection option: AI-powered or automated collection software, a collection attorney or law firm, a regular collection agency (local or national), or, on request, an agency that is an ACA International member or an RMAI-certified firm. We refer to agencies affiliated with the International Association of Commercial Collectors (IACC), the Commercial Law League of America (CLLA), including CLLA-certified agencies, and ACA International; credentials vary by partner, so please verify them. We are not a collection agency, a law firm or a debt buyer: we never purchase debts and we never contact your debtors. Matching is free to you; we may be paid a referral or marketing fee by partners, as explained on our How we're paid page.
Sources: IACC, “Commercial Collection Guidelines for Credit Grantors” (2018); Business News Daily, “The Best Collection Agency Services” (page last updated Oct 17, 2024); Commercial Law League of America, “Probability of Recovering Commercial Debt with Age” (accessed Oct 18, 2026).
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