Billing basics

Invoice vs receipt: what is the difference?

An invoice asks the customer to pay. A receipt confirms that payment has already been received. Using the right document keeps billing clear.

What is an invoice?

An invoice is a payment request. It usually includes invoice number, date, due date, seller details, customer details, item rows, taxes, total amount, and payment terms.

What is a receipt?

A receipt is proof that payment was received. It usually includes receipt number, payment date, customer details, paid items, total amount, and a paid status.

Which one should you send?

  • Send an invoice when the customer still needs to pay.
  • Send a receipt after payment is complete.
  • Send a quotation or estimate before the customer approves the order.

Use BillForge for both

BillForge includes an invoice generator and receipt generator, so you can create both documents from the same workspace.