Invoice vs receipt: what is the difference?
The simplest distinction is timing and purpose: an invoice asks a customer to pay for goods or services, while a receipt acknowledges that payment has been made. GOV.UK explicitly distinguishes an invoice from a receipt in its invoicing guidance.
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Open Invoice Builder →Use an invoice when
You need to tell a customer what they owe for goods or services, show the charges and communicate payment expectations.
Use a receipt when
Payment has been made and you want to provide a clear record of the transaction.
Sometimes you need both
A business may issue an invoice before payment and then provide or retain evidence of payment afterwards.
Keep good records
Invoices and receipts can both form part of your business records. HMRC guidance for self-employed people lists sales invoices and receipts among useful supporting records.
Official source: GOV.UK invoicing overview. Always check current official guidance where your circumstances require it.