What is a receipt?
A receipt is a document you give a customer after they have paid. It confirms how much was received, for what, when and how it was paid. An invoice asks for money; a receipt acknowledges that the money has arrived.
Customers need receipts to claim expenses, reclaim tax, return goods or simply keep track of what they have paid. Sending one promptly also cuts down on "did you get my payment?" emails.
What to include on a receipt
- Your business name, logo and contact details
- The name of the person or company who paid
- A receipt number and the date of payment
- What was paid for, with quantities and prices
- Tax, discounts and the total amount received
- The payment method: cash, card, bank transfer and so on
- The invoice number the payment settles, if there is one
How the receipt generator works
The editor above is already set to Receipt. The fields are labelled for a receipt: Receipt #, Received From, Payment Method and For Invoice #. When you leave Amount Paid empty, the receipt records payment of the full total and shows a PAID stamp.
For a part payment, enter the amount you received in Amount Paid. The receipt then shows the amount paid and the balance still outstanding, without the PAID stamp.
Receipt vs. invoice
An invoice is sent before payment and tells the customer what they owe and by when. A receipt is issued after payment and proves that the amount was received. Many businesses send both: the invoice to request payment, then a receipt once it has cleared.
If you already issued an invoice, put its number in the For Invoice # field so the customer and your bookkeeper can match the two documents.
Frequently asked questions
Is the receipt generator free?
Yes. You can create and download as many receipts as you need, with no account, no watermark and no trial.
How do I mark a receipt as paid?
Leave Amount Paid empty or enter the full total. The receipt then shows the total as paid and adds a PAID stamp. If you enter less than the total, it shows the remaining balance instead.
Can I add the payment method?
Yes. On a receipt the Payment Terms field becomes Payment Method, so you can write "Cash", "Visa ending 4242" or "Bank transfer, 12 Oct".
Is a receipt the same as a tax invoice?
No. In many countries a tax (VAT/GST) invoice has its own legal requirements. A receipt proves payment; check your local rules if your customer needs a tax invoice to reclaim tax.