Bills, receipts, and invoices are just a few examples of accounting documents that your business may use on a regular basis. Others include proforma invoices, credit notes, prepayment invoices, estimate bills, and more. However, we will focus on bills, receipts, and invoices in this blog because numerous users are puzzled about the distinctions and which one to send out.
What is an invoice?
In simple terms, an invoice is a document sent by a business to a customer. It specifies the sold services or products as well as the amount to be paid. Invoices are provided before a customer makes a payment and function as a request for payment. They are used to keep track of sold objects, pricing, taxes, and other transaction-related information. In most cases, invoices are sent after the service or goods have been provided but payment has not yet been received. In the past, invoices were commonly printed and sent by mail or fax. Online bills provided in PDF format through email are a more cost-effective, convenient, and eco-friendly alternative in 2021 and beyond. Keeping track of invoices with a single invoicing system reduces accounting and reporting administration.
What is a bill?
A bill specifies the amount owed by a client. When a company sends an invoice to a client, the client must enter the invoice information into their booking system in the form of a bill. A bill is produced before payments are made.
What exactly is a receipt?
A receipt is a payment confirmation. This document verifies that the customer received the products or services. A receipt can be used as documentation of completed payment for products or services by a customer. Following payment, customers receive receipts in either digital or physical format. This document is popular for both conventional and e-commerce firms and serves as documentation in the event that any problems with the goods arise. A receipt is used by a seller to determine if claims for exchanging or returning products are legitimate.
The distinctions between invoices, bills, and receipts
The primary distinction between an invoice and a bill is determined by who is sending the paperwork. When a business or an individual (such as a freelancer) sends a document to another company for compensation, it is called an invoice. However, the invoice receiver, or the business that receives the invoice, refers to the invoice as a bill and can issue a separate bill showing the transactions and recording them in its books.
Another significant distinction between these two phrases is that when an invoice is sent out, the business or individual is requesting payment and frequently providing the customer with a deadline or payment terms on the invoice. A bill, on the other hand, is documented immediately after payment is made or right up front when the service or product is provided and payment is processed.
Consider going shopping and receiving a bill from a retailer. The business owner prefers to get paid right away rather than invoice you and expect payment later.
A receipt, on the other hand, serves as evidence of payment. It is neither a bill for payment nor an invoice where payment is required at a later date, but rather a documentation that payment has already been paid (the payment). As a result, it is comparable to both an invoice and a bill, although payment has already been made.
As you can see, these three names are often confused, but there are several key distinctions to be aware of. It's also worth noting that our system provides all three alternatives for you to use if you so desire.
How do you send out invoices?
If you're going to utilize an online invoicing system to send an invoice, you'll need to provide some information.
Here are the key points:
- Seller details (Your business's name, VAT ID (if applicable), mailing address, bank account, and other gateways to which a payment must be made)
- Buyer information (your client's business name, VAT ID (if applicable), and address)
- Descriptions (product names, quantity, net pricing, tax rate)
- Payment information (payment type, due date, PO number)
- Currency, the exchange rate (customary or set by the central bank)
To save time when creating invoices for the same clients in the future, establish a client in the online invoicing system and pre-populate invoice information. Aside from one-time invoices, you can also construct recurring invoices and send them on a regular basis.
Did You Know?
Blinksale can maximize your business productivity by automating invoices and recurring invoices with prepopulated information after details have been saved.
Get your Free Trial account without a card needed.
Related Articles:
Proforma Invoice And Its Use Cases
Perfect Time To Invoice Clients And Why Should You Care
How To Manage Invoices Effectively - Blinksale Next Guide
What Information Must Be Included on an Invoice?
How Digital Invoicing Can Boost Your Business's Experience
