Invoice vs receipt: are they synonymous?
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MatthewWriter
Matthew is a content marketer and entrepreneur who writes as a freelance columnist, sharing insights at the intersection of business, technology, and growth.
Published on 20 October 2025
An invoice is not the same as a receipt, which is an acknowledgement of payment.
Invoicing and taking payment from customers
Definition
Invoice is the request. Receipt is the proof.
Invoice = Request to pay
Receipt = Proof of payment
- An invoice is a formal request for payment.
- A receipt is confirmation that payment has been made.
Tax and Accounting Use
- An invoice forms part of your accounts receivable records and is a legal tax document used for bookkeeping and VAT reporting.
It must meet strict requirements — including name, address, VAT registration number, date, and a unique invoice number.
→ See Invoices: what they must include - A receipt, on the other hand, simply serves as evidence of payment. It confirms that money has been received, but it’s not used to request payment.
Comparison Table
The table below shows the key differences between an invoice and a receipt at a glance:
| Item | Invoice | Receipt |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Request for payment | Confirmation of payment |
| Payment status | Unpaid | Paid |
| Issued by | Seller | Seller |
| Used for | Bookkeeping, payment requests, tax/VAT reporting | Reimbursement, proof of purchase |
| Tax validity | Legally valid for tax purposes | Usually a supporting document only |
Common Mistakes
- Sending a receipt instead of an invoice to a customer.
- Completing a transaction with only a receipt and no invoice, making reconciliation difficult.
- Forgetting to include a due date or VAT number on the invoice.
✨ Tip
You can create a UK-compliant invoice online before requesting payment from your customer. Try it now with our easy-to-use service.
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