Whether you are a small business owner, sole trader, or selling something privately, a receipt is the simplest proof-of-payment document you can provide. Here is how to create a professional-looking receipt PDF in under two minutes for free.
How to generate a receipt using Filero
- Open Filero's free Receipt Generator.
- Enter your business name and contact details.
- Enter the customer's name.
- Set the receipt date and receipt number.
- Add your items — description, quantity, and price for each line.
- Add tax (GST or any rate) if applicable — the total calculates automatically.
- Add a payment method note (cash, card, bank transfer).
- Click Generate and download your receipt as a clean PDF — no watermark, no account.
What should a receipt include?
A proper receipt should contain:
- The word "Receipt" prominently at the top.
- Seller details: Business name, address, and ABN (if registered for GST).
- Buyer details: Customer name (and company name if a business purchase).
- Date of transaction.
- Receipt or transaction number — useful for your records and for the customer if they need to reference it.
- Itemised list: Description, quantity, unit price, and line total for each item or service.
- Subtotal, tax (if applicable), and total paid.
- Payment method: Cash, card, bank transfer, etc.
Tax receipts and GST in Australia
If your business is registered for GST and the sale is $82.50 or more (including GST), you are required to provide a tax invoice — not just a receipt — if the customer asks for one. A tax invoice must include your ABN, the words "Tax Invoice", the GST amount (or a statement that the price includes GST), and the date.
For sales under $82.50, a simpler receipt without a separate GST breakdown is sufficient. Filero's receipt generator lets you toggle GST on or off and displays the tax amount clearly on the document.
Receipt vs invoice — what is the difference?
- Invoice: Sent before payment — it is a request for payment. The customer receives the invoice and pays it. Use Filero's Invoice Generator for this.
- Receipt: Issued after payment — it confirms that payment was received. The customer keeps the receipt as proof of purchase.
In practice, many small businesses use an invoice as both a payment request and a receipt by marking it "Paid" and including the payment date. Either approach is fine for most transactions.
Frequently asked questions
Can I add my logo to the receipt?
Yes. Filero's Receipt Generator allows you to upload your business logo, which appears at the top of the receipt PDF. This gives the document a professional, branded appearance.
Do I need an ABN to issue a receipt?
No. Individuals selling personal items privately (marketplace sales, garage sales) do not need an ABN to issue a receipt. However, if you are running a business — even a casual one — you should have an ABN and include it on any document you provide to customers.
Can customers use Filero receipts for expense claims?
Yes. A PDF receipt from Filero is a legitimate business document. Customers can use it to claim business expenses, provided it includes all the required information (seller details, date, items, total, and GST breakdown if applicable).
Ready to try it?
Use Filero's free Receipt Generator tool. No account needed, works on any device.
Open Receipt Generator