Sales receipts: What they are and what to include.
Learn what sales receipts are, why we need them, and what you should include on them.
When you make a sale for your business, you must record it. A sales receipt serves as proof of money exchanging hands. Here we’ll explain the definition of a sales receipt in closer detail and what you should include on it.
What is a sales receipt?
A sales receipt is a transaction record that the seller issues at the time of sale to verify the provided product or service and the amount the buyer paid. You'll often need sales receipts for tax calculation and inventory management, while your customers can use them for reimbursement or accounting purposes.
What are the types of receipts?
Sales receipts can be either physical or digital. Both fulfill the same purpose and include several receipt types, such as:
- Cash register receipts: This is your regular grocery store receipt — a printed slip of paper you get with a purchase.
- Handwritten receipts: Service providers write these receipts outside a retail environment. For example, a plumber might give you a handwritten receipt after unclogging your sink.
- Carbon copies: These often accompany handwritten receipts. Most receipt notebooks have a carbon layer that traces the writing onto another sheet, removing the hassle of writing two separate receipts.
- Packing slips: Online retailers usually send you both an email receipt and a packing slip that you find in the delivered package. The packing slip often includes additional information, like a return policy.
What to include on a receipt.
Include at least the following information on your sales receipts:
- Your business name, address, and phone number
- Sale date and time
- Transaction number
- Product or service description
- Cost
- Tax, if required
Itemized receipts vs. regular receipts.
Itemized receipts vs. regular receipts: While they do have their differences, both can be used to show proof of your purchase.
The main difference between these receipt types is in their formats. A typical receipt records the total cost of the purchase that was made while an itemized receipt goes more in-depth — covering the cost of each line item, good, or service.
Both can be used as a reference or proof for any audits. However, an itemized receipt is generally preferred, allowing you to see exactly where each dollar is going. Itemized receipts are common when someone makes a large purchase or purchases a service.
How to make writing sales receipts easier.
Digital receipts are faster to write than paper ones, and they also save trees and ink. Acrobat Sign integrates with many sales tools and lets you send receipts to multiple recipients, track documents, request e-signatures, and more.
Discover more ways Acrobat Sign can help you run your business more efficiently.
