Pause Work Email Template for Unpaid Invoice (B2B-Safe)

Only use a “pause work” email if your agreement allows it. Keep the tone calm, state the invoice facts, and ask for a payment date so you can resume work quickly.

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When to use a pause-work email

You have an agreed payment term and the invoice is overdue.
You have ongoing work requests but payment is outstanding.
Your agreement allows pausing work for non-payment.
You want to create a clear next step: pay or confirm a payment date.

Email templates

Template 1 — Agreement-based pause (best default)

Subject: Project status — invoice #{InvoiceNumber}

Hi {Name},

Invoice #{InvoiceNumber} ({Amount}) remains unpaid (due {DueDate}).
Per our agreement, we’ll pause further work until the outstanding balance is settled.

Please confirm the payment date, or let me know if you need anything from me to process it.

Payment details: {PaymentDetails}

Regards,
{YourName}

Template 2 — Short version

Subject: Pausing work until invoice #{InvoiceNumber} is paid

Hi {Name},

Quick note: invoice #{InvoiceNumber} ({Amount}) is overdue since {DueDate}.
We’ll pause further work until it’s paid, per our agreement.

Can you confirm the payment date today?

{PaymentDetails}

Thanks,
{YourName}

Template 3 — If they need AP info

Subject: AP info for invoice #{InvoiceNumber}

Hi {Name},

If Accounts Payable needs anything to process invoice #{InvoiceNumber} ({Amount}), here are the details:
PO: {PONumber}
Vendor ID: {VendorId}
Remit-to / payment details: {PaymentDetails}

Can you confirm the payment date?

Thanks,
{YourName}
{Company}

Keep it safe (reduces conflict)

Stick to agreement-based language (no threats).
Ask for a payment date, not a status update.
Keep it short—one screen max.
If you don’t have a pause clause, avoid claiming you will pause work.

FAQ

Only if your agreement allows it (or if local law and your contract terms support it). Keep the message agreement-based and professional.

Pause Work Email Template for Unpaid Invoice (B2B-Safe)

When to use a pause-work email

Email templates

Keep it safe (reduces conflict)

FAQ

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