What business debt collection laws apply to unpaid invoices?
Business debt collection laws differ from consumer rules. The federal FDCPA and Regulation F cover consumer debts for personal, family or household purposes, so most company-to-company invoices fall outside them. Contracts, the UCC, state licensing and general laws against fraud and harassment still apply. Ask an attorney for your state.
Which business debt collection laws matter most?
Your contract, state law and the UCC for goods[source].
Does the FDCPA apply to business debts?
Generally no[source].
Can I be sued for collecting improperly?
Yes, under general laws like defamation or fraud.
Are there state-specific rules?
Yes; we don’t list them without primary sources.
Does Regulation F apply?
It covers consumer debts[source].
General information, not legal advice. Laws vary by state and situation; ask a licensed attorney about yours.
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Is this legal advice?
No; it’s general information.
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Sources: 15 U.S.C. § 1692a (FDCPA definitions), via Cornell LII; CFPB, Regulation F, 12 CFR § 1006.2 (definitions); Cornell LII Wex, “Uniform Commercial Code” (accessed Oct 18, 2026).
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