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Prompt payment

Prompt payment laws set how quickly a government must pay a vendor's correct invoice, and require interest on late payments.

Most states have prompt payment laws covering counties.

Texas example: under Government Code 2251.021, a government payment is generally overdue on the 31st day after the later of receiving the goods, the completion of the service, or receiving the invoice. For a political subdivision whose governing body meets only once a month or less often, it is overdue on the 46th day.

Get paid faster

  • Invoice exactly as the contract or purchase order says: PO number, item lines, quantities and prices that match.
  • Send invoices to the address on the PO, not to the department contact.
  • Make sure the county has your current W-9 and payment details before you invoice.

Sources

Last reviewed Oct 30, 2026. This is general information, not legal advice. Laws and thresholds change; check the current statute and the bid documents.