Can I withhold payment?

If you have genuine grounds to dispute the invoice you can normally withhold the disputed amount, but put your reasons clearly in writing — as this letter does — and keep paying anything you do owe.

What if a debt collection agency is already involved?

Send them a copy of this letter as well. A properly disputed debt should not simply be pushed through collection while the dispute is unresolved.

Send-a-Letter.co.uk

Dispute an invoice

Received an invoice that is not right? This letter formally disputes it and puts on record why you are not paying.

Your details

Full name Street and number

Postcode Town or city

Who are you writing to?

Name of the company or organisation Street and number

Postcode Town or city

Country

About your letter

Invoice number Invoice date (optional)Amount (optional)Why is the invoice wrong? For example: never delivered, a different price was agreed, or billed twice.

Preview of your letter

This is exactly what goes on paper.

Full name

Name of the company or organisation

25 July 2026

Re: Dispute of invoice

Dear Sir or Madam,

In my view the invoice is incorrect, for the following reason

I ask you to withdraw or correct the invoice and to place the account on hold until this has been resolved. Please reply in writing within fourteen days. Until then I am withholding payment and formally putting on record that I dispute the sum claimed.

Yours faithfully,

Full name

Email address We send your confirmation here.Send by recorded deliveryRecommended for this letterWith proof of posting and proof of delivery.

What to look out for

Always dispute an invoice in writing and promptly. Saying nothing can be taken as acceptance of the charge.
Pay the part that is correct and dispute only the rest. Say so in your explanation.
Keep a copy of this letter. If it ever goes to debt collection or court, it is your evidence that you objected in time.
Send by recorded delivery if a reminder or a debt collection agency is already involved.

FAQ

Can I withhold payment?: If you have genuine grounds to dispute the invoice you can normally withhold the disputed amount, but put your reasons clearly in writing — as this letter does — and keep paying anything you do owe.
What if a debt collection agency is already involved?: Send them a copy of this letter as well. A properly disputed debt should not simply be pushed through collection while the dispute is unresolved.

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