An unpaid business invoice — preparing a recovery file

At a glance

Link the invoice to the contract, delivery or service, acceptance and payment history. An invoice alone may not establish every disputed element of a recovery claim.

Law and context

Contract law, limitation, commercial-court procedure, arbitration or qualifying MSME provisions may affect the route. The debtor’s legal identity, agreed payment trigger and genuine dispute record require examination before choosing a demand or proceeding.

Practical next step

Prepare a reconciled ledger, orders, delivery records and full correspondence, identifying credits and part-payments. Seek advice promptly about the appropriate forum and time position.

Important qualifications

This guide does not prove the debt or calculate a deadline. Do not conceal a genuine defect complaint or assume insolvency is an automatic collection tool.

Document checklist

• Contract and orders
• Performance and acceptance evidence
• Invoice and payment ledger
• Complete dispute correspondence

Sources

• The Indian Contract Act, 1872 — 37,73
• The Limitation Act, 1963 — 3,18,19
• The Commercial Courts Act, 2015 — 2,12A

General information. The appropriate course depends on the complete facts, documents and applicable law. Editorial process and website disclaimer.