Invoice Not Paid in Full: Email for the Remaining Balance

A partial payment is progress, not closure. Thank them for what landed, restate the remaining balance with the original invoice number, and ask for one date for the rest—before the thread goes quiet again.

Free template: remaining balance after a partial payment

Send within a day of seeing the partial deposit. Replace every [bracket] before sending.

Hi [Client Name],

Thank you — I received [Partial Amount] toward invoice [Invoice #] on [Payment Date].

The original invoice was [Full Amount] for [Project / Deliverable], so the remaining balance is [Remaining Amount]. Could you confirm the date the rest will go out?

Pay here: [Payment Link]
Original invoice attached again for reference.

Thanks,
[Your Name]
[Your Business]

Lead with gratitude so they do not feel accused. Put the remaining number in the subject so AP can act without opening the thread.

What to check first

• Match the deposit to the invoice in your bank or processor (reference, amount, date).
• Confirm whether they meant a milestone payment or thought the project was done at that price.
• If scope changed, send a short change note plus an updated invoice—do not argue in the same email as the balance ask.
• If they said “paid in full” but underpaid, reply with the math only: paid / owed / remaining.

If they go silent after the partial

1. Day 0: this thank-you + remaining balance email.
2. ~5–7 days: short reminder citing the partial payment date and remaining amount.
3. ~14 days: firmer past-due script for the remaining balance only; pause new work if your contract allows.

What not to do

• Do not treat a partial as “close enough” without writing off the rest on purpose.
• Do not start a new full invoice number for the remainder unless your bookkeeping requires it—keep the trail on the original.
• Do not pile on late fees unless they are already in the signed terms.

Free mini-pack: 3 more follow-up templates (HTML + PDF), no signup.

Related guides

• Partial payment received email
• Second payment reminder email
• Payment promised but not received
• Past-due invoice payment reminder
• Client owes money: what to email
• Invoice 30 days overdue email

Practical communication guidance only, not legal advice. Payment terms, late fees, and collection options depend on your contract and jurisdiction.