Late Fees on Invoices in Missouri
What Missouri contractors and small businesses need to know about charging late fees, interest rates, prompt payment laws, and mechanics lien deadlines.
Max Interest Rate
9% per annum (default legal rate); higher by written contract
Small Claims Limit
$5,000
Small Claims Court (Circuit Court)
Mechanics Lien Deadline
6 months from the last day of furnishing labor or materials
Missouri Prompt Payment Act
Missouri Prompt Payment Act, Mo. Rev. Stat. § 34.057
Missouri requires state agencies to pay within 45 days. Private construction follows contract terms, with mechanics lien enforcement under Mo. Rev. Stat. § 429.010.
Late fee rules for Missouri invoices
Missouri allows contractual late fees. No commercial usury limit means businesses can set competitive late fee terms in their contracts.
Missouri's default legal interest rate is 9% per annum. Written contracts may specify higher rates for commercial transactions without a usury limit.
Important disclaimer
This page provides general information about Missouri 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 Missouri.
Demand letters and mechanics liens in Missouri
Missouri requires a Notice of Intent to File Lien for projects over $5,000 at least 10 days before filing. This serves as a demand.
Mechanics lien deadline: 6 months from the last day of furnishing labor or materials. A lien statement must be filed with the circuit clerk.
Sample late fee clause for Missouri invoices
“Payment is due within the terms specified above. A late fee of 1.5% per month (9% per annum (default legal rate); higher by written contract maximum per Missouri law) will be applied to all balances remaining unpaid after the due date. Pursuant to Missouri Revised Statutes § 429.010 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 $5,000 in Small Claims Court (Circuit Court)), and referral to collections.”
Stop chasing — let InvoiceFlows send the reminders for you
AI-written reminders that escalate from friendly to firm. Works for Missouri contractors, tradespeople, and small businesses. $9/month, 30-day free trial.
Start Free TrialFrequently asked questions — Missouri
What is the maximum late fee I can charge on an invoice in Missouri?▾
In Missouri, Missouri's default legal interest rate is 9% per annum. Written contracts may specify higher rates for commercial transactions without a usury limit. Always disclose late fee terms in your contract or invoice before work begins.
Does Missouri have a prompt payment act?▾
Yes. Missouri requires state agencies to pay within 45 days. Private construction follows contract terms, with mechanics lien enforcement under Mo. Rev. Stat. § 429.010.
What is the small claims court limit in Missouri?▾
The small claims court limit in Missouri is $5,000. Claims are filed in Small Claims Court (Circuit Court). You generally do not need an attorney for small claims.
How long do I have to file a mechanics lien in Missouri?▾
In Missouri, 6 months from the last day of furnishing labor or materials. A lien statement must be filed with the circuit clerk.
Do I need to send a demand letter before filing a lien in Missouri?▾
Missouri requires a Notice of Intent to File Lien for projects over $5,000 at least 10 days before filing. This serves as a demand.