Taking a client to court for an unpaid invoice? Use our calculator to instantly determine the upfront issue fee required by the UK courts to start your claim.
Official HMCTS rates applied instantly
Include the original invoice amount, plus any statutory interest and compensation fees you are claiming.
When a client refuses to pay an invoice, taking them to the Small Claims Court (via Money Claim Online or MCOL) is often the final recourse for freelancers and small business owners in England and Wales.
But starting a claim isn't free. You must pay an "issue fee" upfront. This fee is tiered based on the total value of your claim, which includes the original invoice amount plus any statutory late payment interest and compensation you are claiming.
In most successful small claims cases, the judge will order the defendant (your non-paying client) to reimburse you for the court issue fee alongside the money they owe you. However, you still have to front the cash to begin the process.
Before paying court fees and waiting months for a hearing, try RecoupIQ. Our AI-driven collections system uses behavioral psychology and automated escalation to get your invoices paid without going to court.