receipt

A receipt is a document that confirms a payment has been made to a seller in exchange for goods or services. It serves as a record of a transaction and may be used as proof of purchase, for warranties, returns, and accounting.

A typical receipt includes the seller's name and contact information, the date and time, a list of items or services with quantities and prices, any applicable taxes, the total amount paid, the payment method, and a unique receipt or transaction number. Some receipts also show discounts, refunds, or the refund policy.

Receipts can be issued on paper or electronically. Paper receipts are printed at the point of sale; electronic receipts may be emailed, texted, or sent to a mobile wallet and can be stored digitally. Some systems generate customer copies and merchant copies.

In accounting and taxation, receipts function as evidence of income and expenditures. They help with expense tracking, budget management, and tax reporting. Consumers keep receipts to support warranty claims, returns, or audits of spending; businesses retain copies for financial records and regulatory compliance.

The receipt is distinct from an invoice; an invoice requests payment, while a receipt confirms that payment has been made. Receipts may be used to resolve disputes, verify purchases for returns, and support record-keeping. Some jurisdictions require retention of receipts and other business records for tax or audit purposes.