Billing for Back Dated Billable Client Expenses

[pwilliamsp80]

I have a significant of billable client expenses which I have never billed my former client for. These date back to 2007 & 2008.

I am facing financial difficulties and having thought about it, I have no choice but to now request payment for these expenses.

Aside from being rather embarrassed that I hadn't claimed them earlier, I was wondering if there was a legal limit on how far back I can claim payment for legitimate client expenses. The moral stand point is that I wouldn't usually pursue given that it is my own fault for not sorting this sooner. However, the client is a large multinational company with signifficant funds where as I am on the verge of financial ruin. The expenses are in the sum of £20k over a 2 year period.

I've spoken to someone in the accounts team at the said company and they have so far said there's nothing they can do. I'm wondering where I stand legally.

Thanks

[MarillionFan]

I have a significant of billable client expenses which I have never billed my former client for. These date back to 2007 & 2008.

I am facing financial difficulties and having thought about it, I have no choice but to now request payment for these expenses.

Aside from being rather embarrassed that I hadn't claimed them earlier, I was wondering if there was a legal limit on how far back I can claim payment for legitimate client expenses. The moral stand point is that I wouldn't usually pursue given that it is my own fault for not sorting this sooner. However, the client is a large multinational company with signifficant funds where as I am on the verge of financial ruin. The expenses are in the sum of £20k over a 2 year period.

I've spoken to someone in the accounts team at the said company and they have so far said there's nothing they can do. I'm wondering where I stand legally.

Thanks

WOW!

Well there are a number of factors to consider here

1) What was in your contract. Were these expenses reclaimable?
2) What was the process for getting the expenses signed off? Did you need a signature? Where they signed off up front or as part of an overall system?
3) If you needed sign off, do you have it and if not, who would do this for you? Are they still with the company?

It all depends on 1) really.

[Spacecadet]

I'd be surprised if they paid anything without a serious fight

[MonzaMike]

Good Luck but don't rate your chances

Most places have a policy that expenses must be claimed within x (e.g. 30) days.

I've been late claiming before, but only by a few months and if you are still working there then there isn't usually a problem.

May be a loadsa money client but the budget pots that would have covered this would probably have been closed long ago. Most places will chase for any outstanding spend at the end of financial year, and it's difficult to claim back for previous years especially for the sort of sums you are talking.

[Wodewick]

I think I'll go out on a limb here.

You will never ever get paid these expenses!
Even if there is or was a valid legal entitlement to them in the past.

I hope that I am wrong!

Might I just ask a couple of questions.
If you were entitled to these expenses 3 years ago why didn't you get them then?
How were they entered in your company accounts for each of the last 3 years?

[BolshieBastard]

I have a significant of billable client expenses which I have never billed my former client for. These date back to 2007 & 2008.

I am facing financial difficulties and having thought about it, I have no choice but to now request payment for these expenses.

Aside from being rather embarrassed that I hadn't claimed them earlier, I was wondering if there was a legal limit on how far back I can claim payment for legitimate client expenses. The moral stand point is that I wouldn't usually pursue given that it is my own fault for not sorting this sooner. However, the client is a large multinational company with signifficant funds where as I am on the verge of financial ruin. The expenses are in the sum of £20k over a 2 year period.

I've spoken to someone in the accounts team at the said company and they have so far said there's nothing they can do. I'm wondering where I stand legally.

Thanks

Two types of hope spring to mind here. Bob Hope and no hope!

Good luck!

[rsingh]

Send them an invoice with receipts and a log of how they were incurred. You should also send a copy of your contract with the relevant bits as to why they should pay you highlighted. You have nothing to lose.

[Spacecadet]

Send them an invoice with receipts and a log of how they were incurred. You should also send a copy of your contract with the relevant bits as to why they should pay you highlighted. You have nothing to lose.

Even if they were obliged to pay it would go something like this
Send Invoice with contract
....
2 weeks later phone to chase
....
2 weeks later phone again and be told, its being looked at
...
a month later call again and be told someone will be in touch to discuss
...
another 2 weeks.. yeah sorry x is on hols will call back next week
...
one more month, we're still checking with manager y about expense z
...
etc... etc... etc... until court action is threatened and they decide that coughing up the dosh is the cheapest option

[MarillionFan]

Even if they were obliged to pay it would go something like this
Send Invoice with contract
....
2 weeks later phone to chase
....
2 weeks later phone again and be told, its being looked at
...
a month later call again and be told someone will be in touch to discuss
...
another 2 weeks.. yeah sorry x is on hols will call back next week
...
one more month, we're still checking with manager y about expense z
...
etc... etc... etc... until court action is threatened and they decide that coughing up the dosh is the cheapest option

Apart from the fact the OP said £20k. Frankly tough bubbles OP IMHO. But hey ho.

[Spacecadet]

This made it to the ContractorUK news letter

Contractors' Questions: How to claim old expenses? :: Contractor UK