Receipt vs Invoice: What Should You Send?

An invoice requests payment. A receipt confirms that payment was received. Both can be useful in a business workflow, but they should not be used for the same purpose.

Document | When used | Purpose

Invoice | Before or at payment collection | Request payment and record billing

Receipt | After payment is received | Confirm payment and provide proof

When a receipt helps

Cash payments at a counter

Advance payments for services

Partial payments against an invoice

Customer requests for payment proof

Internal records for received payments

Create receipts when available: Use the Receipt Generator when available. For now, create invoices and record payment status in your account workflow.