Short Pay Dispute Follow-Up Email

A short-paid invoice should trigger a fast, neutral email. This template helps you clarify why the payment was partial and what’s required to resolve the remaining balance.

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When to use / when to send

Checklist / what to include

Invoice #{{InvoiceNumber}} and original {{Amount}}
Paid amount and outstanding balance
Direct ask: reason for short payment?
Request confirmation of next payment date for remaining amount
Include pay link {{PayLink}} and reply-by date {{ReplyByDate}}

How to use

Copy/paste template

Hi {{Name}},

We received payment on invoice #{{InvoiceNumber}}, but the amount received does not match the invoice total of {{Amount}}.

Could you clarify the reason for the difference and confirm when the remaining balance will be settled?

If needed, you can complete payment here: {{PayLink}}. Please reply by {{ReplyByDate}}.

Thanks,
{{YourName}}
{{Company}}

Follow-up plan + common mistakes

Request written reason for short payment before escalating
Don’t escalate without a clear answer—confirm intent first
If it’s a dispute, ask for specifics and respond with a payment proposal
If it was an error, request instant payment link use
Link to partial payment follow-up for further templates

FAQ

No, clarify in writing first. It could be a processing error, withheld tax, or missing credit note.