---
title: "Late fees: create a rule and add it to an invoice"
description: A late fee rule adds a charge to an invoice automatically when it's overdue. First create the rule, then switch it on for each invoice.
---

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# Late fees: create a rule and add it to an invoice

A late fee rule adds a charge to an invoice automatically when it's overdue. First create the rule, then switch it on for each invoice.

### Create a rule

1. **Web:** Sidebar → **Invoicing** → **Late fees** → **Add new**. **App:** **Menu** → **All modules** → **Late fees** → **Create (+)** → **New late fee**.
2. Enter a **Name**. It appears as the line item on the invoice, for example "Late payment fee".
3. Under **When should the first late fee apply?**, choose 1–30 days after the invoice becomes past due.
4. Choose **Percentage (%)** or **Flat ($)** and enter the **Amount**.
5. Optional: tick **Recurring late fee** to charge again. Choose how often, and how many fees in **How many times should we send this invoice?** (or **Infinite**).
6. Click **Save**.

### Add it to an invoice

1. Create or edit the invoice.
2. **Web:** in **Late fee**, tick **Apply late fees if this invoice becomes past-due** and choose the rule. **App:** **More options** → **Late fee** → **Apply late fees if past-due**.
3. Save the invoice.

The invoice's due date must still be in the future when you save.

### Good to know

- The fee is added as a line item on the day it's due, and the total updates. No email is sent.
- A percentage is taken from the amount due. Repeat fees include earlier fees.
- Paid invoices don't get fees.
- Voiding an invoice? Untick late fees in the same edit.
- Editing a rule's name or amount changes the next fees on every invoice that uses it. A new number of days only applies to invoices you add the rule to afterwards.
- On the website, a saved rule's days and repeat settings are locked. The app still lets you change them.
- Late fees aren't available on estimates or recurring invoices.

### FAQ

**How do I waive a fee?** Edit the invoice, remove the fee line and save. To stop more fees, also untick **Apply late fees…**.

**I don't want to use a rule any more.** Untick it on the invoices that use it. You can keep the rule in your list.

**No fee was added.** Check that the due date was still in the future when you saved, and that the invoice isn't paid.

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