Holdback calculator

On construction and improvement work, the buyer keeps a share of every payment until the work is done and the lien period has passed. Plan your cash flow around it.

Each invoice, before tax Number of invoices Holdback (%)

Paid on each invoice$11,250

Held back each time$1,250

Waiting for release$7,500

Over 6 invoices you bill $75,000 and wait for $7,500 of it.

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How holdback works in BC

Under BC's Builders Lien Act the holdback is 10 percent, kept until 55 days after the work is certified complete or finished. Service contracts such as cleaning or grounds care usually have no holdback, but contracts that improve land or buildings often do. The tender or contract says which applies, and any extra retention on top of it.

Ask when the holdback is released and how, and put the date in your calendar: it's your money, and it's easy to forget.

Guides on this

Getting paid on public contracts: cash flow, holdbacks and late invoices
BC's Construction Prompt Payment Act
Holdback, in plain English