NOT LEGAL OR FINANCIAL ADVICE
This content is for educational purposes only. Laws change frequently and vary by circumstance. Always consult a licensed attorney in your state before taking any legal action. We are not responsible for any decisions or actions taken based on this information.
Mississippi Freelance Invoice Laws
General information about collecting unpaid invoices in Mississippi
Last Updated: 2025-01-01 • Always verify with a Mississippi attorney
Late Fee Limit
No statutory limit for B2B contracts
Interest Rate
8% per annum (statutory)
Small Claims Limit
$3,500
Statute of Limitations
3 years for written contracts, 3 years for oral
Additional Context
Late Fees: Late fees must be reasonable and specified in the contract. Mississippi courts enforce agreed-upon commercial provisions.
Interest: Parties can agree to higher rates in writing for commercial transactions.
Small Claims: Justice Court handles small claims. Mississippi has one of the lower limits. Filing fees are $25-$50.
General Best Practices
These are general suggestions, not legal advice. Consult an attorney for your specific situation.
- ✓ Act quickly—Mississippi has only a 3-year statute of limitations
- ✓ Use written contracts with clear payment terms
- ✓ Include late fee and interest provisions
- ✓ Send invoices immediately upon project completion
- ✓ File in Justice Court for amounts up to $3,500
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ✗ Waiting too long—3 years passes quickly
- ✗ Not knowing Mississippi's low $3,500 small claims limit
- ✗ Not specifying interest rates in contracts
- ✗ Filing in wrong Justice Court district
- ✗ Skipping demand letters
When to Consult an Attorney
For invoices over $3,500 (small claims limit) or if the 3-year deadline is approaching.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the small claims limit in Mississippi?
Mississippi Justice Courts handle claims up to only $3,500—one of the lower limits. For larger amounts, you'll need County Court.
How long do I have to sue for an unpaid invoice in Mississippi?
Only 3 years for both written and oral contracts—one of the shorter periods. Don't delay pursuing collection.
What interest rate can I charge on overdue invoices in Mississippi?
The statutory rate is 8% per annum. You can specify higher rates in your contract for commercial transactions.
Where do I file a small claims case in Mississippi?
File in the Justice Court for the district where the defendant resides or does business.
Do I need a collection license in Mississippi?
No state license is required to collect your own debts. Third-party agencies should comply with federal FDCPA requirements.
Sources & References
These are reference sources only. Laws change—verify current statutes before taking action.
- Mississippi Code § 75-17-1 (Interest)
- Miss. Code § 9-11-9 (Justice Court Jurisdiction)
- Miss. Code § 15-1-29 (Statute of Limitations)
- Mississippi Judiciary
IMPORTANT LEGAL DISCLAIMER
This is NOT legal or financial advice. The information on this page is provided for general educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to be, and should not be construed as, legal, financial, or professional advice.
Laws change frequently. State laws, court rules, and regulations are subject to change without notice. The information presented here may not reflect the most current legal developments or may not apply to your specific situation.
Consult a licensed professional. Before taking any action based on the information on this website, you should consult with a licensed attorney in Mississippi who can provide advice tailored to your specific circumstances.
No attorney-client relationship. Viewing this information does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and Happy Freelance Life or its creators.
No liability. Happy Freelance Life and its creators disclaim all liability for any actions taken or not taken based on any information on this website. You assume full responsibility for any decisions or actions you take based on this content.
If you need legal help, please contact the Mississippi State Bar Association for attorney referrals or a legal aid organization in your area.
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Take the QuizThis information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a licensed Mississippi attorney for specific legal guidance. This page was last updated on 2025-01-01. For current legal information, consult the official Mississippi state statutes or a licensed Mississippi attorney. Happy Freelance Life is not a law firm and does not provide legal services.