Corbelworks · Collections Math

Retainage Calculator & Release Tracker

Contractors constantly get 5-10% held. See exactly how much cash is locked up, calculate statutory release deadlines, and generate a professional release request letter instantly.

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Not legal advice. Enter your project specifics. This tool does simple arithmetic and date calculations based on general statutory frameworks. Deadlines vary by state and specific contract terms.

1 · Project details

For your records and the release letter.
Dictates typical statutory release deadlines.
Total value of work completed and billed.
$
Usually 5% or 10%.
%
The date the project (or your portion) was completed.

2 · Release request letter

FAQ & Method

What this calculates

The total amount of cash held in retainage based on your billed amount and retainage percentage, and an estimated release deadline based on general rules of thumb for project types.

Release Deadlines by Project Type

  • Private: Typically 30 days after substantial completion, though governed heavily by your specific contract.
  • Public / State: Often 45-60 days after final acceptance. Prompt Pay Acts apply in most states.
  • Federal: Under the Miller Act and FAR, retainage should not be withheld without cause, and final payment is typically due within 14 to 30 days of agency acceptance.

Why request release formally?

  • Starts the clock on Prompt Payment Act protections.
  • Creates a paper trail if a mechanic's lien or bond claim becomes necessary.
  • Forces the GC or owner to state any reasons for withholding in writing.

What this deliberately does not do

  • Does not account for state-specific Prompt Pay Act deadlines (check your local laws).
  • Does not file a lien or notice.
  • Does not replace formal legal advice on collection strategies.

Retainage stuck? Get our $149 Recovery Scan

We'll review your contract, check your local Prompt Pay Act, and draft a compliance-ready demand letter within 1 business day.

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