Check the basis before adding fees to an overdue invoice. There is no general statutory tariff for a first, second or third reminder.

Key takeaways

• A due date and default are different. Under Article 102(1) CO, default generally requires a reminder; an agreed fixed date can trigger default without one under Article 102(2). A friendly payment request can also be a legal reminder if it clearly demands payment of the due debt.
• Check the contract, any terms accepted by the customer and the basis for each additional claim. Do not treat an arbitrary flat fee as automatically enforceable. Keep the principal, any justified costs and interest separate. Article 104 CO generally provides 5% annual default interest once default begins; the due date alone is not always the start.

Write a clear payment request

Identify the invoice, outstanding amount and payment details. Set a clear deadline and retain a copy. There is no general requirement to send three reminders. A reminder alone does not interrupt limitation; see the invoice limitation guide.

Check disputed amounts and tax treatment

If the customer disputes the invoice or fee, review the documents and explain the calculation. This guide does not provide a verified fee schedule or an automatic VAT rule for reminder costs. Do not add 8.1% to every fee by default; clarify its tax treatment with the FTA or your adviser.

Magic Heidi creates QR-bills and quotes, records expenses and tracks payments. Explore the invoicing software.

Magic Heidi Free includes 3 invoices and 3 expenses. Pro costs CHF 25.00 a month billed annually (CHF 299.00 a year), or CHF 39.00 billed monthly. See pricing.