Late Fees on Invoices in Kansas
What Kansas contractors and small businesses need to know about charging late fees, interest rates, prompt payment laws, and mechanics lien deadlines.
Max Interest Rate
10% per annum (default legal rate); 15% maximum by agreement
Small Claims Limit
$4,000
Small Claims Court (District Court)
Mechanics Lien Deadline
5 months from the last day of furnishing for GCs
Kansas Prompt Payment Act
Kansas Prompt Payment Act, K.S.A. § 16-1802 et seq.
Kansas requires payment within 30 days for government contracts. The Fairness in Public Construction Contract Act provides additional protections for private construction.
Late fee rules for Kansas invoices
Kansas allows contractual late fees up to the 15% usury cap. The default 10% rate is enforceable even without a written late fee clause.
Kansas's default legal interest rate is 10% per annum. Written agreements can specify up to 15% per annum. Rates above this are usurious.
Important disclaimer
This page provides general information about Kansas late fee rules. It is not legal advice. Laws change, and your specific situation may have unique factors. For disputes involving significant amounts, consult a licensed attorney in Kansas.
Demand letters and mechanics liens in Kansas
Kansas does not require a demand letter, but subcontractors must file a Notice of Intent to File Lien at least 30 days before filing.
Mechanics lien deadline: 5 months from the last day of furnishing for GCs. Subcontractors must file within 3 months after giving notice to the owner.
Sample late fee clause for Kansas invoices
“Payment is due within the terms specified above. A late fee of 1.5% per month (10% per annum (default legal rate); 15% maximum by agreement maximum per Kansas law) will be applied to all balances remaining unpaid after the due date. Pursuant to K.S.A. § 60-1101 et seq. (Mechanics' Liens), the undersigned reserves all rights to pursue collection including but not limited to mechanics lien filing, small claims action (up to $4,000 in Small Claims Court (District Court)), and referral to collections.”
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Start Free TrialFrequently asked questions — Kansas
What is the maximum late fee I can charge on an invoice in Kansas?▾
In Kansas, Kansas's default legal interest rate is 10% per annum. Written agreements can specify up to 15% per annum. Rates above this are usurious. Always disclose late fee terms in your contract or invoice before work begins.
Does Kansas have a prompt payment act?▾
Yes. Kansas requires payment within 30 days for government contracts. The Fairness in Public Construction Contract Act provides additional protections for private construction.
What is the small claims court limit in Kansas?▾
The small claims court limit in Kansas is $4,000. Claims are filed in Small Claims Court (District Court). You generally do not need an attorney for small claims.
How long do I have to file a mechanics lien in Kansas?▾
In Kansas, 5 months from the last day of furnishing for GCs. Subcontractors must file within 3 months after giving notice to the owner.
Do I need to send a demand letter before filing a lien in Kansas?▾
Kansas does not require a demand letter, but subcontractors must file a Notice of Intent to File Lien at least 30 days before filing.