An invoice asks for payment. A receipt confirms payment was received.
What an invoice does
An invoice tells a client what they owe, why they owe it, when payment is due, and how to pay. It is usually sent before payment.
What a receipt does
A receipt confirms that payment happened. It should show the amount paid, date paid, payment method, business details, and what the payment covered.
When to use both
For service work, send an invoice after work is completed or at a milestone. After the client pays, send a receipt if they need proof of payment.
Example workflow
A painter sends an invoice for labor, paint, supplies, and final balance. The client pays by bank transfer. The painter then sends a receipt showing the payment date and amount.
Common mistakes
Do not use a receipt to request payment, and do not treat an unpaid invoice as proof that payment was received.
- Sending only a receipt before payment
- Forgetting to mark paid invoices as paid
- Missing payment method details on receipts
An invoice tells a client what they owe, why they owe it, when payment is due, and how to pay. It is usually sent before payment.
A receipt confirms that payment happened. It should show the amount paid, date paid, payment method, business details, and what the payment covered.
For service work, send an invoice after work is completed or at a milestone. After the client pays, send a receipt if they need proof of payment.
Use the free tool after checking the examples and payment guidance in this guide.
Open invoice generator