Can I sue for an unpaid invoice in small claims court?
Yes. Unpaid invoices for services or goods are among the most common small claims cases. You need to prove the contract existed, the work was performed, and payment was not made. Written contracts, signed estimates, delivery receipts, and email communications all help establish the debt.
Can I claim interest on an unpaid invoice in the US?
If your invoice or contract specifies an interest rate, you can claim it. Most states also have a statutory post-judgment interest rate (typically 6–10%). Some states allow pre-judgment interest on breach of contract claims at the statutory rate even without a contractual provision.
Should I send a demand letter before filing?
Yes. A written demand letter sent via certified mail establishes a record that you tried to resolve the matter before litigation. It also sometimes prompts payment without a court filing. Some states require a demand letter as a precondition to filing small claims.