How to make a receipt
- Add your business details — saved in this browser and shared with your invoices.
- Add who paid you under "Received from".
- Set the receipt number and the date the payment was received.
- List what the payment was for — or use Create a receipt on a paid invoice and everything is filled in for you, with a note linking it to that invoice.
- Add the payment method — cash, card, bank transfer, PayPal, Zelle.
- Download the PDF and send it to your client. Keep a copy for your own records.
What a receipt should include
- The word Receipt and a receipt number
- Your business name and contact details
- Who paid and the date of payment
- What the payment was for, with amounts
- The amount paid and how it was paid
- A reference to the invoice number, if there was one
Keep good records for tax time
Receipts you give and receive are your proof of income and expenses. The IRS generally asks you to keep records that support your tax return for at least three years — longer in some situations. Store a copy of every receipt and invoice, and see how much of each payment to set aside with our 1099 tax calculator.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between an invoice and a receipt?
An invoice asks for payment; a receipt confirms the payment was made. Send the invoice first, then a receipt once you've been paid — especially for cash payments, where there's no bank record.
Do I have to give my clients a receipt?
It depends on your location and the type of business, but it's good practice — and clients often need one to claim the expense. For card or bank payments, a receipt still makes their bookkeeping easier.
Can I make a receipt for a partial payment?
Yes. List the amount actually received, and add a note such as "Deposit for Invoice INV-0007. Balance of $1,200 due Nov 30."
Can I use this to create a receipt for something I didn't sell?
No. Only make receipts for real payments you've received. Creating false receipts is fraud.
Is it free?
Yes. No account, no limits and no watermark. Your receipt is made in your browser and never uploaded.