Chase down invoices

by Dale Davidson March 18, 2026

99% of the time, the invoices to my primes go through just fine and I get paid on time.

However, there will be times when the payment is late.

It's usually not a big deal, but if things have been going smoothly and all of a sudden it's late, there is a good chance something got screwed up.

When it's late, you should follow up ASAP.

Here's an e-mail you can send to your PM or the accounts payable department

Hi,

I just want to follow up on Invoice ###. Normally, payments have been very prompt and this invoice is now a few days late. Can you confirm the invoice has been processed and payment has been sent?

Thank you!

-Your favorite 1099

Here are some times when my invoice has been screwed up:

I sent the invoice immediately before or after a holiday weekend. It got lost in someone's inbox
When an option year turns over and a new bill code has been issued
The first time I send an invoice on a new project
When I add a new employee to the contract
When a timecard on the prime's timekeeping system hasn't been approved on time

It literally pays to be diligent in these situations.

It's not fun, but it is something you will need to do as a 1099.

Want the full playbook? Check out Going 1099.