How long do you have to chase an unpaid invoice in the UK?

In England and Wales, a simple contract debt can normally be pursued for six years from the date the cause of action arose — broadly, when payment became due. In Scotland the period is generally five years. After that, the debt is usually time-barred and can no longer be enforced through the courts.

Does the six-year limit reset?

It can. If the debtor acknowledges the debt in writing or makes a part-payment, the six-year clock generally starts again from that date. That's why keeping a clear paper trail of any contact and payments matters.

Can I still chase a debt after six years?

You can ask for payment, but once a debt is statute-barred you normally can't enforce it through the courts. The debt still exists — it just becomes unenforceable, so most recovery leverage is gone. Acting well before the limit is far safer.

Is an invoice a 'simple contract debt'?

Usually, yes — most unpaid invoices are simple contract debts, subject to the six-year limitation period in England and Wales. Debts under a deed can have a longer period. If you're unsure how your debt is classified, take advice before assuming the deadline.

How long can you chase an unpaid invoice? UK time limits

An unpaid invoice doesn’t sit there forever waiting to be collected. There’s a legal clock running, and if you let it run out, you can lose the right to enforce the debt at all. Here’s how long you’ve actually got — and why “I’ll deal with it later” is the most expensive plan there is.

The six-year rule

In England and Wales, most unpaid invoices are simple contract debts, and under the Limitation Act 1980 you generally have six years to pursue them through the courts. The clock starts from when the cause of action arose — broadly, when the payment fell due.

In Scotland, the equivalent period is generally five years.

Miss the deadline and the debt becomes statute-barred: it still exists, but you normally can’t enforce it in court, which strips away most of your leverage.

What resets the clock

The limitation period isn’t always fixed from day one. It generally starts again if the debtor:

Acknowledges the debt in writing, or
Makes a part-payment towards it.

So a debtor who emails “I’ll pay you next month” or sends £50 off a £500 balance may have just reset your six years. This cuts both ways — it’s useful leverage, but it means you should keep a clear record of every acknowledgement and payment.

Why waiting still costs you — long before the deadline

Six years sounds like plenty. It isn’t, in practice, because recovery gets harder every month regardless of the legal limit:

People and businesses move, close or fold. The trail goes cold.
Memories and paperwork fade, weakening your evidence if it’s ever disputed.
Debtors treat an un-chased invoice as forgotten — silence reads as permission.

The limitation period is a backstop, not a plan. The real deadline is much sooner: the moment a debt is clearly overdue.

Act while the clock — and your leverage — are on your side

The practical takeaway is simple: chase promptly and escalate steadily. Quantify what you’re owed, including the interest and compensation you can add, send a letter before action, and if it’s ignored, bring in help while the debt is still fresh and collectable.

When you’re ready, compare vetted UK debt recovery agencies on Collect Compare, or let us match you to the right one — free, impartial, and on your side.

This is general guidance, not legal advice. If a debt is approaching a limitation deadline, or you’re unsure how it’s classified, take advice promptly.

How long can you chase an unpaid invoice? UK time limits explained