Receipt vs. Voucher: Know the Difference
By Dua Fatima & Shumaila Saeed || Published on December 7, 2024
A receipt is proof of a transaction's completion, detailing goods or services purchased, while a voucher is a document authorizing a particular transaction or granting a right.
Key Differences
A receipt serves as evidence that a payment has been made and a transaction has occurred, detailing the specifics of the purchase such as the date, total amount, and items or services bought. On the other hand, a voucher acts as an authorization or coupon that can be exchanged for goods, services, or a discount, often before a purchase is finalized.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 07, 2024
Receipts are typically issued after the payment is made, serving as proof for both the buyer and the seller that the transaction has been completed. Whereas vouchers are usually provided before the transaction is finalized, serving as a commitment or entitlement to a future discount or service.
Dua Fatima
Dec 07, 2024
While receipts are necessary for record-keeping, returns, and exchanges, ensuring both parties have documentation of the sale, vouchers are often used as a promotional tool or financial instrument, offering a future benefit rather than confirming a past action.
Dua Fatima
Dec 07, 2024
Receipts are usually specific to a transaction and cannot be transferred, reflecting a completed action between the buyer and seller. On the other hand, vouchers can often be transferred and used by someone other than the person to whom they were originally issued.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 07, 2024
The primary function of a receipt is to provide a detailed account of a transaction, including tax implications if applicable, which is crucial for accounting and tax purposes. Vouchers, however, primarily function to grant a benefit, discount, or right, which may or may not have immediate tax or financial accounting implications.
Dua Fatima
Dec 07, 2024
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Document proving a payment was made and detailing the purchase.
Document authorizing a transaction or granting a right or discount.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 07, 2024
Purpose
To provide proof of transaction and details for record-keeping.
To authorize or entitle the holder to goods, services, or discounts.
Dua Fatima
Dec 07, 2024
Timing
Issued after payment is made.
Issued before the transaction is finalized or as a promise for future transactions.
Dua Fatima
Dec 07, 2024
Transferability
Generally non-transferable, tied to a specific transaction.
Often transferable and can be used by different individuals.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 07, 2024
Financial Implication
Primarily for record-keeping, returns, exchanges, and tax purposes.
For promoting sales, providing discounts, or authorizing services with potential financial benefits.
Hifza Nasir
Dec 07, 2024
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Receipt and Voucher Definitions
Receipt
Proof of purchase provided to a buyer.
The receipt lists all the items you bought.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 07, 2024
Voucher
A certificate that can be exchanged for goods.
I won a voucher for a free meal at the restaurant.
Hifza Nasir
Mar 07, 2024
Receipt
A document confirming a transaction and payment.
Please keep your receipt in case you need to return the item.
Dua Fatima
Mar 07, 2024
Voucher
A promotional tool to attract customers.
They're handing out vouchers to boost sales.
Dua Fatima
Mar 07, 2024
Receipt
A record for financial transactions.
I filed my receipts with my tax documents.
Dua Fatima
Mar 07, 2024
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Voucher
A token for free or discounted goods.
I redeemed a voucher for a free coffee.
Dua Fatima
Mar 07, 2024
Receipt
Evidence of service or goods received.
The mechanic provided a receipt for the repair services.
Hifza Nasir
Mar 07, 2024
Voucher
A document granting a right to a discount or service.
This voucher gives you 50% off your next purchase.
Dua Fatima
Mar 07, 2024
Receipt
A necessary document for returns or exchanges.
You'll need the receipt to return this blender.
Dua Fatima
Mar 07, 2024
Voucher
An authorization for a particular transaction.
The company issued a voucher for the business expense.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 07, 2024
Receipt
The fact of being or having been received
They denied receipt of the shipment.
Dua Fatima
Mar 07, 2024
Voucher
A written record of expenditure, disbursement, or completed transaction.
Dua Fatima
Mar 07, 2024
Voucher
A written authorization or certificate, especially one exchangeable for cash or representing a credit against future expenditures.
Dua Fatima
Mar 07, 2024
Receipt
A written acknowledgment that a specified article, sum of money, or shipment of merchandise has been received.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 07, 2024
Voucher
To issue a voucher to
A company that vouchers employees when the payroll cannot be met.
Hifza Nasir
Mar 07, 2024
Receipt
To give or write a receipt for (money paid or goods or services delivered).
Hifza Nasir
Mar 07, 2024
Voucher
A piece of paper that entitles the holder to a discount, or that can be exchanged for goods and services.
This voucher can be redeemed at any Walmart in the state until March 31 2013.
A voucher for a free kettle
This voucher entitles the bearer to a 20% discount on frozen goods.
Dua Fatima
Mar 07, 2024
Receipt
The act of receiving, or the fact of having been received.
A balance payable on receipt of the goods.
Hifza Nasir
Mar 07, 2024
Voucher
(advertising) A copy of a published advertisement sent by the agency to the client as proof of publication.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 07, 2024
Receipt
(in the plural) A quantity or amount received; takings.
This weekend's receipts alone cover our costs to mount the production!
Hifza Nasir
Mar 07, 2024
Voucher
(historical) A mechanical device used in shops for automatically registering the amount of money drawn.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 07, 2024
Receipt
A written acknowledgment that a specified article or sum of money has been received.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 07, 2024
Receipt
(A piece of) evidence, documentation, etc. to prove one's past actions, accomplishments, etc.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 07, 2024
Receipt
(A piece of) evidence (e.g. documentation or screen captures) of past wrongdoing.
Dua Fatima
Mar 07, 2024
Receipt
(archaic in New England and rural US since end of 20th century, elsewhere since middle of 20th century) A recipe, instructions, prescription.
Dua Fatima
Mar 07, 2024
Voucher
One who vouches, or gives witness or full attestation, to anything.
Will his vouchers vouch him no more?
The great writers of that age stand up together as vouchers for one another's reputation.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 07, 2024
Voucher
A book, paper, or document which serves to vouch the truth of accounts, or to confirm and establish facts of any kind; also, any acquittance or receipt showing the payment of a debt; as, the merchant's books are his vouchers for the correctness of his accounts; notes, bonds, receipts, and other writings, are used as vouchers in proving facts.
Dua Fatima
Mar 07, 2024
Voucher
The act of calling in a person to make good his warranty of title in the old form of action for the recovery of lands.
Dua Fatima
Mar 07, 2024
Voucher
A document attesting to a credit against certain defined expenditures; a recipt for prepayment; - often used in pre-arranged travel plans, to provide evidence of pre-payment of the cost of lodging, transportation, or meals.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 07, 2024
Receipt
To put a receipt on, as by writing or stamping; to mark a bill as having been paid.
To receipt a bill
Dua Fatima
Mar 07, 2024
Receipt
Capability of receiving; capacity.
It has become a place of great receipt.
Dua Fatima
Mar 07, 2024
Receipt
Place of receiving.
He saw a man, named Matthew, sitting at the receipt of custom.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 07, 2024
Receipt
A formulary according to the directions of which things are to be taken or combined; a recipe; as, a receipt for making sponge cake.
She had a receipt to make white hair black.
Dua Fatima
Mar 07, 2024
Receipt
A writing acknowledging the taking or receiving of goods delivered; an acknowledgment of money paid.
Dua Fatima
Mar 07, 2024
Receipt
That which is received; that which comes in, in distinction from what is expended, paid out, sent away, and the like; - usually in the plural; as, the receipts amounted to a thousand dollars.
Dua Fatima
Mar 07, 2024
Receipt
To give a receipt for; as, to receipt goods delivered by a sheriff.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 07, 2024
Receipt
Report the receipt of;
The program committee acknowledged the submission of the authors of the paper
Dua Fatima
Mar 07, 2024
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Can a voucher be used by someone other than the person it was issued to?
Often, yes. Vouchers are usually transferable unless specified otherwise.
Dua Fatima
Dec 07, 2024
What is a voucher?
A document that authorizes a transaction, grants a right, or offers a discount for future use.
Dua Fatima
Dec 07, 2024
Are vouchers only for discounts?
No, vouchers can also authorize services or be exchanged for goods.
Hifza Nasir
Dec 07, 2024
Can I get a refund with a voucher?
Typically, vouchers are for specific goods, services, or discounts and do not offer cash refunds.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 07, 2024
Is a receipt necessary for returns or exchanges?
Yes, most stores require a receipt to process returns or exchanges.
Hifza Nasir
Dec 07, 2024
What is a receipt?
A document proving that a transaction and payment have occurred, detailing the purchase.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 07, 2024
Do vouchers have an expiration date?
Yes, many vouchers have expiration dates by which they must be used.
Dua Fatima
Dec 07, 2024
Are all vouchers promotional?
Not all; some are issued for refunds, warranties, or customer loyalty programs.
Dua Fatima
Dec 07, 2024
Can a receipt be issued electronically?
Yes, electronic receipts are commonly issued for online transactions.
Dua Fatima
Dec 07, 2024
What details are included on a receipt?
Date, total amount, items or services bought, and possibly tax details.
Dua Fatima
Dec 07, 2024
Can a voucher be redeemed for cash?
Usually not, unless the voucher explicitly states it can be.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 07, 2024
What happens if I lose my receipt?
Returning or exchanging items might be difficult without it.
Dua Fatima
Dec 07, 2024
How do I prove a transaction without a receipt?
It can be challenging without a receipt, but bank statements or electronic records might help.
Hifza Nasir
Dec 07, 2024
Is a digital voucher valid?
Yes, digital vouchers are widely accepted and function similarly to physical ones.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 07, 2024
Do I need to keep my receipts?
For major purchases, warranties, returns, and tax purposes, it's advisable.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 07, 2024
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About Author
Written by
Dua Fatima
Co-written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
Shumaila Saeed
Hifza Nasir
