Purchase Order vs Invoice: Key Differences

By Annapoorna

|

Updated on: Aug 31st, 2023

|

3 min read

social iconssocial iconssocial iconssocial icons

Invoice is different from a purchase order. Every business must maintain a proper documentation system as any delay may lead to fines and penalties. They should have a repository of documents so that any document can be retrieved as and when needed.

What is a Purchase Order?

A purchase order (PO) is a document the buyer uses to place an order mentioning the goods required, delivery date, price and other terms and conditions. Once the vendor accepts a PO, it becomes a legally binding document that specifies the type of goods, price, delivery date and payment terms. 

Benefits of using purchase orders

  • POs specify the purchaser’s needs and thus set clear expectations for the vendor.
  • Once a PO is created, a purchaser can look into its budget and spend wisely.
  • A PO, once accepted by the vendor, becomes a legally binding document. It gives legal protection.
  • POs also form part of audit trails. 

What is an Invoice?

An invoice is created by the vendor for goods sold. It reflects the type of goods sold and the amount due from the buyer, and the due date of payment. Below is a sample tax invoice:

invoice

Benefits of using invoices

  • Invoices enable the vendors to collect money. It is sent to the buyer requesting payment for goods sold.
  • It serves as a legal document and helps in financial reporting. 
  • Like POs, invoices also form part of the audit trail.
  • It helps in generating various financial reports and projecting future cash flows.

Difference Between Purchase Order and Invoice

CriteriaPurchase orderInvoice
CreationIt is created by the purchaser of goods.It is created by the vendor.
ContentsIt contains client expectations such as the nature of product, quantity and price, and other terms of procurement.It contains details of products sold, quantity and rate as approved in the purchase order, tax, approved purchase order number, etc.
PurposeThe purchaser sends a purchase order to the vendor to place an order for goods/services.The vendor sends an invoice to the purchaser to request payment for the order placed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a purchase order and an invoice?
The main difference between a purchase order and an invoice is that a purchase order is a request for goods or services, while an invoice is a request for payment. A purchase order is typically issued by the buyer, while an invoice is typically issued by the seller.

How do purchase orders and invoices impact accounts payable?
A purchase order triggers the accounts payable process, and the invoice is the official request for payment that accounts payable teams process.

About the Author

I preach the words, “Learning never exhausts the mind.” An aspiring CA and a passionate content writer having 4+ years of hands-on experience in deciphering jargon in Indian GST, Income Tax, off late also into the much larger Indian finance ecosystem, I love curating content in various forms to the interest of tax professionals, and enterprises, both big and small. While not writing, you can catch me singing Shāstriya Sangeetha and tuning my violin ;). Read more

CONTENTS

Clear offers taxation & financial solutions to individuals, businesses, organizations & chartered accountants in India. Clear serves 1.5+ Million happy customers, 20000+ CAs & tax experts & 10000+ businesses across India.

Efiling Income Tax Returns(ITR) is made easy with Clear platform. Just upload your form 16, claim your deductions and get your acknowledgment number online. You can efile income tax return on your income from salary, house property, capital gains, business & profession and income from other sources. Further you can also file TDS returns, generate Form-16, use our Tax Calculator software, claim HRA, check refund status and generate rent receipts for Income Tax Filing.

CAs, experts and businesses can get GST ready with Clear GST software & certification course. Our GST Software helps CAs, tax experts & business to manage returns & invoices in an easy manner. Our Goods & Services Tax course includes tutorial videos, guides and expert assistance to help you in mastering Goods and Services Tax. Clear can also help you in getting your business registered for Goods & Services Tax Law.

Save taxes with Clear by investing in tax saving mutual funds (ELSS) online. Our experts suggest the best funds and you can get high returns by investing directly or through SIP. Download Black by ClearTax App to file returns from your mobile phone.

Cleartax is a product by Defmacro Software Pvt. Ltd.

Company PolicyTerms of use

ISO

ISO 27001

Data Center

SSL

SSL Certified Site

128-bit encryption