# Unpaid invoice: checking the first reminder and extra charges

Canonical: https://ailawyer.be/en/droit-simplement/premier-rappel-facture-consommateur/
Language: en
Publisher: Mashaah LLC / AILawyer.be
Published: 2026-09-27T11:00:00+02:00
Updated: 2026-09-27T11:00:00+02:00

Does a letter demand more than the original invoice? Separate principal, charges and interest to understand the claim.

Sources consulted: 2026-09-27

## Understand the rule

Book XIX of the Belgian Code of Economic Law regulates reminders and charges for consumer debts owed to businesses. A free first reminder and a minimum waiting period generally apply. Regular services have specific rules.



## Prepare your next steps


- Compare the reminder with the contract and invoice: creditor, service, amount, due date and payments already made.
- Request the calculation and supporting documents for disputed charges. Explain precisely what you dispute instead of merely refusing payment.
- Keep the letter, envelope or email and a timeline. If you need instalments, propose affordable amounts and request written agreement.


## Practical example

Fictional example: you are charged twice for a paid subscription. Send the payment reference and request a check without sharing unrelated bank transactions.



## What to check

This does not automatically cover taxes, fines or business-to-business debts. An ordinary reminder and a bailiff’s procedural document require different responses.



### Can I just ignore the reminder?

It is better to answer with evidence. A dispute does not automatically suspend proceedings or deadlines. Have judicial documents reviewed promptly.

## Sources

- [SPF Économie — Retard de paiement](https://economie.fgov.be/fr/themes/services-financiers/endettement/regles-generales-en-cas-de)

General information, not personalised legal advice. Verify jurisdiction, applicable date and the primary source before acting.