Client won't pay an invoice in North Carolina: what to do

Gather the agreement (contract, proposal, or emails confirming the job and price), the invoice, proof of delivery, and any approval messages.

Why: These show what you agreed to, that you delivered, and the amount owed.

Send a polite reminder with a copy of the invoice, the due date, and an easy way to pay.

Why: Many late invoices are simply forgotten or stuck in a payment process.

Decide whether to pause new work for this client until you're paid.

Why: More unpaid work makes your loss bigger.

If the reminder doesn't work, send a formal demand letter (template below) with a firm pay-by date. Add late fees or interest only if your agreement provides for them.

Why: A formal demand often gets results, and some states require a demand before small claims.

If you answered “A company” to “Is the client a company or an individual?”

Look up the client's exact legal name and registered agent in your state's business entity search (usually run by the Secretary of State).

Why: You must sue the right legal entity and serve its registered agent; a trade name alone may not be enough.

If you answered “Yes” to “Has the client complained about your work?”

Reply in writing to each complaint about your work. Offer a fix or a partial discount if it's fair.

Why: The judge will look at whether you did the work as agreed. A reasonable offer in writing shows good faith.

If you answered “They set my hours and treated me like an employee” to “How did you work for this client?”

Compare the client's control over your work with the US Department of Labor's guidance on misclassification, and check your state's wage claim agency and deadline.

Why: If you were legally an employee, you may be able to file a free wage claim instead of suing.

Check your state's small claims limit and the rules for business plaintiffs.

Why: Some states set a different limit or different rules when a business files, or limit how many claims a business can file each year.

Check your contract for an arbitration clause or a clause naming a court in another place.

Why: These clauses can change where and how you must bring the claim.

You can file a small claims case, or hire a collection agency or lawyer (they usually take a percentage).

Why: Small claims is usually the cheapest route for amounts under the limit.

A few states and cities have freelance-worker laws that require written contracts and on-time payment. Ask your state labor department whether one covers you.

Why: These laws can add damages or a free complaint process.

If you win and the client still doesn't pay, use your state's collection tools, such as a bank levy or a lien.

Why: The court doesn't collect for you.