Why Freelancers Should Issue Receipts
Many freelancers skip receipts and rely on payment app notifications as proof of payment. That is a mistake. A formal freelance receipt gives your client documentation they can use for expense reports, tax deductions, and internal budget tracking. For you, it creates a clean paper trail that simplifies bookkeeping and protects you if a client ever disputes whether they paid.
What to Include on a Freelance Receipt
- Your name or business name - Use the same name that appears on your invoices and contracts
- Client name and company - Match the entity that made the payment
- Receipt number and date - Sequential numbering linked to the original invoice
- Description of services paid for - Project name, deliverables, and billing period
- Amount received and payment method - Include any platform fees if relevant
- Tax information - Sales tax collected, if applicable, shown as a separate line
Best Practices for Freelance Receipts
Send the receipt within 24 hours of payment. Automation helps — many payment platforms send confirmations automatically, but those generic notifications lack your branding and project details. A dedicated receipt with your logo and the project name looks far more professional.
Keep a copy of every receipt you issue. At tax time, your receipt records should match your bank deposits exactly. This makes reconciliation painless and gives your accountant everything they need without a scavenger hunt through email threads.
Use BillThemToday's free receipt generator to create branded freelance receipts in seconds. Reuse your invoice styling, add the payment details, and download a PDF. It is the simplest way to close out a project professionally.