The real cost of late payments: How collection issues can drain cash flow

  Delayed invoice payments are choking small business cash flow in 2026, according to research from Xero Small Business Insights. According to a 2025 survey, late payments cost businesses nearly $40,000 per year on average, and about 10% of businesses report losses of up to $100,000. Another 2025 survey indicates more than 9 out of