Invoice vs receipt

Occasionally PainSci customers ask for an “invoice” rather than a “receipt,” apparently sure it’s a serious paperwork distinction “for tax purposes.”

The utility of the receipt versus invoice distinction has eluded me for years…

Just now I bought a thing and got an email with download links for both invoice and receipt. All very formal, big payment processor (Stripe). Aha! Surely this comparison — both docs from one source — will highlight the difference?

Not really. Almost identical. 😜

Teensy differences, though…

• Invoice has an “order number”, receipt has an “invoice number.” 🤯
• Invoice: “bill to” and “date due.”
• Receipt: “paid by” and “date paid” plus a payment method.

Thank gawd I have both!

So an invoice is a bill, a request for payment versus a receipt confirming payment. Fine. Distinction without a difference for most my customers… since request and payment happen in the same instant! But surely a receipt would matter more “for tax purposes,” if anything?