An invoice requests payment
After completing a $157 cleaning job, the business issues invoice INV-2026-022 with a due date and payment instructions. The invoice states what the customer owes. Generating it does not establish that the customer has paid.
A receipt records payment received
When the $157 payment arrives, the business can issue receipt REC-2026-018 with the actual paid date and payment method. A note such as “Payment for invoice INV-2026-022” connects the records.
For a partial payment
If the customer pays a $50 deposit, the receipt should record $50 and clearly describe it as a deposit. Do not issue a receipt showing the entire $157 as paid. Keep the remaining balance in your own records and describe it clearly where needed.
Details to check
- Invoice: unique reference, customer, supplied items, amount requested, due date, and payment method instructions.
- Receipt: receipt reference, actual amount received, paid date, payment method, and the related invoice or order number.
- Both: accurate business and customer details and descriptions that explain the transaction.
CreateBizDocs does not connect to a bank or track outstanding balances. Verify the payment in your own records before issuing a receipt.