Missouri prompt payment
Prompt Payment in Missouri — Sources checked
Who and what this applies to
Public works under section 8.960; separately, private design/construction contracts entered after August 28, 1995 under section 431.180.
Thresholds and scope
The private rule excludes construction on owner-occupied residential property of four units or less.
The rules
- Public progress payments are generally monthly and due within 30 days of the latest applicable delivery, duly delivered invoice or approval event. The statute separately addresses owner-generated estimates and permits specified good-faith withholding and funding qualifications. Source
- Without reasonable cause, downstream delay beyond 15 days after receipt triggers 1.5% monthly interest; the rule extends through lower tiers. Source
- Private scheduled payments follow the contract. The court may award up to 1.5% monthly interest from the due date and reasonable fees to the prevailing party, subject to the residential exclusion. Source
Primary sources
Sources reviewed 2026-09-30. This guide covers the projects and rules stated above.
Not legal advice. This is general legal information. Laws and project facts differ; confirm the applicable requirements for your project.
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