Invoicing explained
Invoice vs Bill
“Invoice” and “bill” describe the same document from different sides: the seller sends an invoice to request payment; the buyer calls that same document a bill they need to pay. The wording often depends on who's holding it.
What is invoice?
An invoice is the term the seller uses — it's their itemized request for payment, with an invoice number and payment terms, recorded as accounts receivable.
What is bill?
A bill is what the recipient typically calls an amount they owe, recorded as accounts payable. In everyday use “bill” can also mean an immediate, walk-up charge (like a restaurant bill), but for B2B work it's usually the same document as the invoice.
Invoice vs Bill: the key differences
Here's how invoice and bill differ at a glance:
- Perspective — seller's invoice is the buyer's bill.
- Accounting — invoice sits in receivables; the bill sits in payables.
- Formality — invoices carry numbers and terms; “bill” is the informal word for owing.
How this works in Invco
Sending invoices. Invco creates your invoices, emails them from your own address and tracks them from draft to sent to paid. It doesn't manage bills you need to pay (accounts payable).
Invco is invoicing software for people who run more than one company. Design your own invoice template or upload your existing invoice PDF, add line items with per-line tax and discounts, and Invco calculates the totals, numbers each invoice sequentially and emails it as a branded PDF from your own address. Every invoice is tracked from draft to sent to paid, and overdue ones are flagged automatically. Plans from $10/month.
More invoicing comparisons
- Invoice vs EstimateAn estimate is a non-binding projection of what a job will cost, sent before the work.
- Invoice vs ReceiptAn invoice requests payment for goods or services; a receipt confirms that payment has been made.
- Invoice vs QuoteA quote is a fixed price offered before the work; an invoice is the bill sent after it.
- Net 30 vs Due on ReceiptNet 30 gives the client 30 days to pay from the invoice date; due on receipt asks for payment immediately.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between invoice and bill?
“Invoice” and “bill” describe the same document from different sides: the seller sends an invoice to request payment; the buyer calls that same document a bill they need to pay. The wording often depends on who's holding it.
Is Invco for sending invoices or paying bills?
Sending invoices. Invco creates your invoices, emails them from your own address and tracks them from draft to sent to paid. It doesn't manage bills you need to pay (accounts payable).
How much does Invco cost?
Starter is $10/month for 1 company, Growth is $20/month for up to 3 companies, Pro is $30/month for up to 8 companies, Scale is $50/month for up to 20 companies, and Unlimited is $100/month with no cap. Every plan includes every feature, with no per-invoice fees, and you get a full refund if you cancel within 7 days of a charge.
Invoice the easy way with Invco
Design your invoice template, send branded PDFs from your own email address, and see what's paid and overdue for every company. Plans from $10/month, with a full refund within 7 days.
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