Late payment penalty calculator
Work out what you are actually owed on an unpaid invoice.
How this calculation works
Penalties accrue starting the day after the due date, pro-rated by the number of days late, on the amount excluding VAT. Between businesses, the statutory rate is the European Central Bank's rate at its most recent refinancing operation, increased by ten points (article L441-10 of the French Commercial Code). It is fixed for the whole half-year at its value on the first day. For the 2026-S2 half-year, it stands at 12.4% per year.
For an individual debtor, the debt does not fall under the Commercial Code but under the Civil Code: the statutory interest rate applies instead, currently 2.75% per year for this half-year. The 40 EUR fixed recovery fee does not apply to them either.
Frequently asked questions
How are late payment penalties on an invoice calculated?
Penalties accrue starting the day after the due date. The annual statutory rate is applied to the amount excluding VAT, pro-rated by the number of days late. If the delay spans two half-years, each portion is calculated at its own rate, and the portions are then added together.
What is the 40 EUR fixed recovery fee?
Article D441-5 of the French Commercial Code provides for a fixed recovery fee of 40 EUR per overdue invoice, owed automatically and without prior formal notice. It only applies between businesses.
Does an individual client owe the same penalties as a business?
No. A debt owed by an individual falls under the Civil Code and its statutory interest rate, noticeably lower than the rate that applies between businesses. The 40 EUR fixed recovery fee, which comes from the Commercial Code, does not apply to them.