Send a WIK letter: directly online in 3 steps
A customer who doesn't pay? Before you are allowed to charge collection costs, you are legally required to send a WIK letter — also known as a 14-day demand letter or fourteen-day letter. On this page, you will learn how to do this quickly and in a legally correct manner.
What is a WIK letter?
A WIK letter is a legally required demand letter under article 6:96 paragraph 6 of the Dutch Civil Code (BW). The letter gives your debtor a final opportunity to pay within 14 days before you may claim collection costs. Without a valid WIK letter, you cannot recover these costs — the court will reject them.
Want to know more about the legal background? Read our comprehensive explanation on What is a WIK letter?
Checklist: what must be in a WIK letter?
A WIK letter must meet strict legal requirements. If even one element is missing, the letter is invalid and you cannot claim collection costs. Check this checklist:
Send a WIK letter in 3 steps
Enter the details
Enter the invoice number, the outstanding amount, and your debtor's details. The collection costs are automatically calculated based on the BIK scale.
Review and send
Preview your WIK letter. Everything correct? Send the letter by email with automatic read receipt and professional PDF attachment.
Track delivery
Receive a delivery confirmation and read receipt. After 14 days without payment, you may claim collection costs. All correspondence is stored as evidence.
Many entrepreneurs delay sending a WIK letter for too long. The longer you wait, the smaller the chance of payment. My advice: send the WIK letter as soon as the payment deadline has expired. Speed significantly increases the success rate.
View a WIK letter example
Below is a condensed example showing the key passages from a correct WIK letter:
Example — key passages of a WIK letter
Dear Mr/Ms [name],
On [date] we sent you invoice number [number] for the amount of € [amount]. Despite previous reminders, this invoice remains unpaid.
By means of this letter, we give you the opportunity to pay the outstanding amount within 14 days after the day of receipt of this letter, i.e. before [date].
If you do not pay within this term, you will owe the statutory collection costs in addition to the outstanding amount. These amount to € [collection costs], calculated in accordance with the Decree on Extrajudicial Collection Costs.
The total amount will then be € [total amount].
On our examples page you will find six complete letters for different situations — including the correct 14-day deadline wording, correct collection costs, and a professional layout.
View the WIK letter examples — available for both VAT-registered and non-VAT-registered businesses.
WIK letter by email or by post?
Both options are legally permitted. However, sending by email has significant advantages:
By email
- Delivered instantly
- Read receipt available
- 14-day period starts day after dispatch
- Delivery proof digitally available
By post
- Longer delivery time (1-3 days)
- Registered mail recommended
- 14-day period starts day after receipt
- Higher costs (postage + registration)
Want to learn more? Read our article on sending a WIK letter by email.
Calculating collection costs for your WIK letter
In the WIK letter, you must state the exact amount of collection costs. This amount is set out in the BIK scale (Decree on Compensation for Extrajudicial Collection Costs):
- On the first €2,500: 15% (minimum €40)
- On the next €2,500: 10%
- On the next €5,000: 5%
- On the next €190,000: 1%
- On any amount above €200,000: 0.5%
Are you not VAT-registered? Then 21% VAT is added to the collection costs. Read more about this in our article on collection costs and VAT.
Use our free collection costs calculator to calculate the exact amount for your claim instantly.
Frequently asked questions about the WIK letter
How long is a WIK letter valid?
A WIK letter has no expiry date. Once the 14-day period has passed without payment, you may claim collection costs. However, it is advisable not to wait too long before taking further action.
Can I send a WIK letter by email?
Yes, you can. The law refers to a "written demand" and email falls within this definition. It is important that you can prove the debtor received the email, for example with a read receipt.
How much collection costs can I charge?
Collection costs are calculated based on the BIK scale: 15% on the first €2,500 (minimum €40), 10% on the next €2,500, 5% on the next €5,000, and so on. Use our collection costs calculator for the exact amount.
Is a WIK letter required for business customers (B2B)?
No, the WIK letter is only legally required for claims against consumers (B2C). For business customers, you may charge collection costs directly. However, sending a WIK letter is also recommended in B2B as a professional step.
What if the debtor only pays part of the amount?
If the debtor pays part within the 14-day period, you may charge collection costs on the remaining unpaid amount. The collection costs are calculated on the outstanding balance after the partial payment.
Send your first WIK letter for free
Create a free account and send your first 3 WIK letters immediately. Legally correct, with delivery confirmation and read receipt.
Create free accountSources & References
- Artikel 6:96 lid 6 Burgerlijk Wetboek - Veertiendagenbrief— wetten.overheid.nl
- Besluit vergoeding voor buitengerechtelijke incassokosten (BIK)— wetten.overheid.nl
- Hoeveel betaal ik voor incassokosten?— rijksoverheid.nl
- Hoge Raad 25 november 2016 - Veertiendagentermijn ingangsdatum— rechtspraak.nl