Guide · updated November 2026

Recovering an unpaid invoice in NSW

Local Court of NSW: Small Claims Division (up to $20,000)

File a statement of claim with the Local Court (online via NSW Online Registry or at a registry). The first step is usually a pre-trial review, where the registrar helps the parties try to settle. Legal costs are generally capped in small claims.

Source: Local Court of NSW: Small Claims Division

Local Court of NSW: General Division (up to $100,000)

File a statement of claim. Claims above $20,000 run in the General Division, with more formal procedures. Consider legal advice.

Source: Local Court of NSW: General Division

Debts between businesses, and debts owed to you by individual customers, generally go to the Local Court.

In NSW, VIC and QLD you generally have 6 years from when the money became due to start a claim for a contract debt.

More: Letter of demand for an unpaid invoice: what to include · Unpaid invoice reminder emails that actually get paid · Recovering an unpaid invoice in Victoria · QCAT minor debt claims for unpaid invoices · Can you charge interest on late invoices? · Payment plan agreements for overdue invoices · Statutory demands: a cautious explainer