Invoice vs Bill vs Receipt: What to Issue and When

Invoice

An **invoice** is a request for payment. It usually includes due date, tax breakup and payment terms. Issue before or at the time of supply for most B2B work.

Bill / tax invoice

In India, **tax invoice** is the GST term for a taxable supply document. Colloquially people say "bill" — for GST compliance, use the correct invoice type your CA recommends.

Receipt

A **receipt** confirms payment received. Issue after money hits your account. Useful for retail counters and advance settlements.

Quotation vs invoice

• **Quotation / estimate:** price proposal, not a demand for payment
• **Invoice:** official payable document after work is agreed

Convert quotes to invoices in one flow instead of retyping line items.

Numbering tip

Use a consistent prefix (INV, FY25, etc.). Try the invoice number generator, then save the invoice in InvoiceWala for history.