Is it legal for a business to refuse to pay an independent contractor if they receive an invoice after more than 30 days?

Question

Is it legal for a business to refuse to pay an independent contractor if they receive an invoice after more than 30 days?

Answer

As a Franchise Attorney I don't understand your question. By "after more than 30 days" do you mean (a) the original invoice was not given to them for more than 30 days; or (b) they have been given the invoice and it's been more than 30 days with no payment? There's obviously a big difference. Especially in these economic times, getting prompt payment is becoming an issue. If you are owed the money, you may need to sue them - very likely in Small Claims Court. Consult with a good business or franchise attorney in your area for specific advice.

Mr. Franchise - Kevin B. Murphy, B.S., M.B.A., J.D.

Franchise Foundations, a Professional Corporation

Answer

No. As long as the bill is sent and they are not past the statute of limitations, they can try to collect. The only exception to that is if they try to charge you interest for something they did not initially bill you for, then fine, I could see you getting out of that, but otherwise, just because they are late, that only means you don't have to pay them sooner than if they billed you after 30 days.