Free receipt generator
Use this free receipt generator to record a payment you have received: add what was paid for and how, and print it or save it as a PDF.
Receipt preview
Everything stays in your browser. We don't store what you type here.
Use this tool free
Tell us who you are and the tool opens straight away, along with every other free tool and template on this device. We'll email you when we add new ones.
How it works
Who paid, when, how and for what. The receipt updates as you type.
Put in your tax rate and the receipt shows the tax separately from the price.
Print it, or save it as a PDF and send it to your customer.
The maths
subtotal = quantity × price, for every linetax = (subtotal − discount) × tax %total = subtotal − discount + taxbalance due = total − amount paid
When to use a free receipt generator
A receipt is proof that a customer has paid you. Customers ask for one to claim expenses, to keep for their own books or simply to be sure the payment arrived. This free receipt generator is handy when you're paid by bank transfer, cash or mobile money and there's no till or payment app to send one for you.
Send it as soon as the money lands. It's a small thing that makes you look organised, and it saves a follow-up message asking "did you get my payment?".
What to put on a receipt
- A receipt number that follows on from the last one, so you can find it later.
- The date the money arrived, not the date of the invoice.
- What the payment was for, in words the customer will recognise.
- The amount, and the tax on its own line if you're registered for VAT or sales tax.
- How it was paid and any reference, such as the transfer reference or the invoice number it settles.
Example
A photographer is paid 450 for a family shoot by bank transfer, with no tax. The receipt shows receipt number R-0012, "Family photo shoot, 1 × 450", total 450, paid by bank transfer, reference INV-0031, and a "Paid" stamp. If the customer had paid a 150 deposit instead, the amount paid would be 150 and the receipt would show "Part paid" with 300 still due.
Common mistakes
- Reusing receipt numbers. Each receipt needs its own number, or your records stop matching.
- Calling a receipt an invoice. An invoice asks for money; a receipt confirms it. Sending an "invoice" after payment confuses people and their accountants.
- Leaving out part payments. If only a deposit came in, say so, and show what is still due.
If you send your invoices from startbuddi, you don't need to make receipts by hand: recording a payment against an invoice creates the payment and its receipt for you. See invoicing in startbuddi.
Questions
What is the difference between an invoice and a receipt?
An invoice asks for payment. A receipt confirms that payment has been made. You send the invoice first and the receipt once the money has arrived.
What should a receipt include?
Your business name and contact details, the customer's name, a receipt number, the date of payment, what was paid for, the amount and any tax, how it was paid and a payment reference if there is one.
Do I need to show tax on a receipt?
If you are registered for VAT or sales tax, most countries expect the tax amount and your tax number on receipts and invoices. Check the rules where you trade, or ask an accountant.
What if the customer only paid part of the bill?
Put the amount they actually paid in "Amount paid". The receipt then shows it as a part payment, with the balance still due underneath.
How do I save the receipt as a PDF?
Press "Download PDF". Your browser opens its print window with just the receipt. Choose "Save as PDF" as the printer, then save it and send it to your customer.
Do you keep what I type?
No. The receipt is built in your browser and nothing is sent to us.
Quote, invoice and get paid from one place.
In startbuddi, your quotes, invoices and client records sit together, so you can see who has paid and who needs a nudge.
