Voucher vs. Invoice — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on October 11, 2023
A voucher is a document confirming a payment or transaction, while an invoice is a request for payment listing goods/services provided.
Difference Between Voucher and Invoice
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Voucher and Invoice are both documents related to transactions and payments, but they serve distinct functions. A voucher acts as proof or evidence that a particular transaction has occurred or an expense has been made. It often supports an internal transaction within a company, ensuring that correct amounts are paid and recorded. On the contrary, an invoice is a formal statement detailing the goods or services provided, along with amounts due. It is typically sent by a seller to a buyer.
Both Voucher and Invoice play integral roles in the accounting and financial sectors. While vouchers help organizations maintain a transparent record of their expenditures, ensuring that no unauthorized payments are made, invoices act as a prompt to buyers to make a payment. An invoice lists the items purchased, their individual prices, any applicable taxes, and the total amount due. It can be considered a request for payment.
A significant difference between the two is their point of use in the transaction timeline. An invoice is generated and presented to the buyer before or immediately after the delivery of goods or services, indicating what is due to be paid. A voucher, however, is typically generated after the payment has been made as a form of receipt or as a document authorizing the payment.
In summary, while both Voucher and Invoice are integral to the payment process, they serve different purposes. A voucher acts as a confirmation or evidence of a payment or transaction, while an invoice stands as a detailed list and request for payment for goods or services rendered.
Comparison Chart
Purpose
Acts as proof of a transaction or payment.
Requests payment for goods/services provided.
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Timing
Generated after a payment or during authorization.
Created before or after goods/services are delivered but before payment.
Sent by/To
Often internal within a company.
Sent by a seller to a buyer.
Details
May contain payment details and authorization.
Lists items, prices, taxes, and total amount due.
Typical Users
Businesses for internal record-keeping.
Businesses and individuals for external transactions.
Compare with Definitions
Voucher
Evidence supporting an expenditure or claim.
He had to present the fuel voucher to claim reimbursement.
Invoice
A written request for payment due to rendered services.
The consultant issued an invoice for his advisory services.
Voucher
A ticket or token used to redeem a particular service.
Guests were given a drink voucher at the hotel reception.
Invoice
A detailed receipt indicating a debt obligation.
Upon completing the project, he sent the client an invoice.
Voucher
A record of authorization for a payment.
The accountant prepared a payment voucher for the vendor.
Invoice
A document listing goods/services with a demand for payment.
She received an invoice for the books she ordered online.
Voucher
A voucher is a bond of the redeemable transaction type which is worth a certain monetary value and which may be spent only for specific reasons or on specific goods. Examples include housing, travel, and food vouchers.
Invoice
A record indicating sale and shipment of goods.
The company sent the invoice along with the shipped items.
Voucher
A small printed piece of paper that entitles the holder to a discount, or that may be exchanged for goods or services.
Invoice
An invoice, bill or tab is a commercial document issued by a seller to a buyer, relating to a sale transaction and indicating the products, quantities, and agreed prices for products or services the seller had provided the buyer. Payment terms are usually stated on the invoice.
Voucher
A piece of substantiating evidence; a proof.
Invoice
A statement of account detailing transactions between buyer and seller.
The monthly invoice showed all purchases and payments.
Voucher
A written record of expenditure, disbursement, or completed transaction.
Invoice
A detailed list of goods shipped or services rendered, with an account of all costs; an itemized bill.
Voucher
A written authorization or certificate, especially one exchangeable for cash or representing a credit against future expenditures.
Invoice
The goods or services itemized in an invoice.
Voucher
To substantiate or authenticate with evidence.
Invoice
To make an invoice of (goods or services).
Voucher
To prepare a voucher for
Properly vouchering each transaction.
Invoice
To send an invoice to; bill.
Voucher
To issue a voucher to
A company that vouchers employees when the payroll cannot be met.
Invoice
A bill; a commercial document issued by a seller to a buyer indicating the products, quantities and agreed prices for products or services that the seller has already provided the buyer with. An invoice indicates that, unless paid in advance, payment is due by the buyer to the seller, according to the agreed terms.
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.
Invoice
The lot or set of goods as shipped or received.
The merchant receives a large invoice of goods.
Voucher
A receipt.
Invoice
The price which a seller or dealer pays the manufacturer for goods to be sold.
Voucher
One who or that which vouches.
Invoice
(transitive) To bill; to issue an invoice to.
I will invoice my supplier tomorrow.
Voucher
(advertising) A copy of a published advertisement sent by the agency to the client as proof of publication.
Invoice
(transitive) To make an invoice for (goods or services).
Voucher
(historical) A mechanical device used in shops for automatically registering the amount of money drawn.
Invoice
A written account of the particulars of merchandise shipped or sent to a purchaser, consignee, factor, etc., with the value or prices and charges annexed.
Voucher
(transitive) To establish the authenticity of; to vouch for.
Invoice
The lot or set of goods as shipped or received; as, the merchant receives a large invoice of goods.
Voucher
(transitive) To provide a vouch for (an expenditure).
Invoice
To make a written list or account of, as goods to be sent to a consignee; to insert in a priced list; to write or enter in an invoice.
Goods, wares, and merchandise imported from Norway, and invoiced in the current dollar of Norway.
Voucher
(transitive) To provide (a beneficiary) with a voucher.
Invoice
An itemized statement of money owed for goods shipped or services rendered;
He paid his bill and left
Send me an account of what I owe
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.
Invoice
Send an bill to;
She invoiced the company for her expenses
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.
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.
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.
Voucher
Someone who vouches for another or for the correctness of a statement
Voucher
A document that serves as evidence of some expenditure
Voucher
A negotiable certificate that can be detached and redeemed as needed
Voucher
A document confirming a transaction or payment.
She submitted the expense voucher for her business trip.
Voucher
A coupon offering a discount for certain products or services.
He used a voucher to get a free meal at the restaurant.
Common Curiosities
What is the primary purpose of a Voucher?
A voucher serves as evidence or proof of a transaction or payment.
When is an Invoice typically generated?
An invoice is usually generated either before or after goods or services are delivered but before payment is made.
Is an Invoice considered a legal document?
Yes, an invoice can serve as a legal document indicating the obligation of a buyer to pay for goods or services rendered.
Can a Voucher act as a discount coupon?
Yes, a voucher can be a coupon offering discounts or redeemable services.
Can an individual issue an Invoice?
Yes, individuals, especially freelancers or consultants, can issue invoices for services provided.
Do both Vouchers and Invoices indicate amounts paid?
While an invoice indicates the amount due, a voucher often confirms the amount already paid or authorizes a payment.
Are Vouchers always related to payments?
Not always. Vouchers can also be discount coupons or tokens for redeemable services.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
