Disputing an invoice – a step-by-step guide

By Mallbutiken · Factual information verified October 1, 2026

To dispute an invoice means that you clearly notify the party claiming payment that you object to the whole or parts of the claim and why. Do this in writing and save the documentation. If the claim proceeds, you normally need to also object to any subsequent debt collection notice or application for a payment order.

Step 1: Check the agreement and the invoice

Compare the invoice with the order, quote, agreement, order confirmation, delivery, and previous communication. Questions to check include whether the price is correct, whether the right quantity has been delivered, whether the service has been performed, and whether fees were actually agreed upon.

If you have not ordered anything at all, you should not treat the invoice as if it were merely a pricing error. The Swedish Consumer Agency states that a consumer who has not purchased anything is not obliged to pay, but should notify the company in writing that payment will not be made.

Step 2: Dispute clearly and in writing

A useful dispute notice should include:

• your name or company name and contact details,
• invoice number and invoice date,
• the amount being disputed,
• why the claim is considered incorrect,
• reference to relevant agreements or events,
• requested correction, such as a credit note or a corrected invoice.

Email usually works well because the communication becomes dated and easy to save. If the dispute is significant, you should ensure that the message is sent to a functional address and keep a copy.

Step 3: Dispute only the part that is actually in dispute

If a part of the invoice is correct, you can specify that only a certain amount is being disputed. Whether and how the undisputed part should be paid depends on substantive law and the situation, but it is normally wise to clearly distinguish it from the part you are objecting to. Read the guide on partial disputes.

Step 4: Pay under protest – only if appropriate for the situation

Paying under protest is not the same as disputing and refusing to pay. The Swedish Consumer Agency describes it as an alternative when you are unsure: you pay but simultaneously notify the company in writing that you do not accept the claim and want a refund. The disadvantage is that you then have to pursue the matter of a refund yourself, for example through the National Board for Consumer Disputes (ARN) or a court.

Step 5: If a debt collection notice arrives

If you believe that the debt collection notice is incorrect, you should object to it immediately and within the time frame specified in the notice. Feel free to include the previous dispute notice. The Swedish Financial Supervisory Authority states that a factually based objection must be investigated by the debt collection agency.

A debt collection notice in itself does not result in a payment default entry. The Swedish Financial Supervisory Authority has held full supervisory responsibility for the Debt Collection Act since January 1, 2024, and FFFS 2025:2 on debt collection has been in effect since July 1, 2025.

Step 6: If the Swedish Enforcement Authority (Kronofogden) sends a payment order

First, confirm that you have received the letter. This does not mean that you accept the claim. If you believe the claim is wrong, you must object according to the instructions and within the time limit stated in the document. The Swedish Enforcement Authority does not examine the underlying contract or invoice dispute in the same way as a court. If the claim is disputed, the applicant may request that the matter be referred to a district court.

What happens if you still cannot agree?

A consumer dispute can in many cases be examined by the National Board for Consumer Disputes (ARN), if the case meets the board's conditions and value limits. Disputes can also be heard in court. Business-to-business disputes are normally handled through the agreement, negotiation, and ultimately court or arbitration if such a clause exists.