What is a receipt?
A receipt is written proof that payment was received — who paid, to whom, how much, for what, by what method, and when. It's issued after money changes hands, which is exactly what distinguishes it from an invoice (a request for payment).
What's the difference between a receipt and an invoice?
Timing and direction: an invoice asks for payment; a receipt confirms payment happened. A common small-business flow is estimate → invoice → receipt, and this site has a free tool for each step.
Do businesses have to give receipts?
In the US there's generally no federal requirement for ordinary sales, but many states require them in specific industries, card networks expect them on request, and customers need them for returns, reimbursements and taxes. Offering one automatically is basic professionalism.
How do I write a receipt for a cash payment?
Cash is exactly when a written receipt matters most, since there's no bank trail. Fill in the payer, what the payment covered, the amount, mark the method as cash, and give the customer the PDF — keep a copy for your own records.
Is this receipt maker free?
Yes — unlimited receipts and PDF downloads, no account, and payment details stay in your browser.