AvoContractor Receipt Template (Free Fillable PDF)
On a construction or remodeling job the money arrives in pieces: a deposit, one or two progress payments, the final payment. Each one needs a receipt that says which piece it was and how much of the contract is still open. The homeowner needs it for their records and the lender, you need it when the final invoice is questioned, and both of you need it if a lien release is ever involved.
Free, fillable, US Letter. No email, no sign-up. This template has the contract math built in: contract total, received to date, this payment, balance remaining. Fill in the job once and issue a receipt for each payment.
What the PDF looks like. Hints in the line table show what a contractor usually receipts; type over them.
What to include on a contractor receipt
- Contractor name, license number and contactThe license number ties the receipt to the contract and is required on payment documents in several states.
- Client name and job addressThe job address, not the billing address: that is what the lien waiver, the permit and the lender reference.
- Receipt number, date and payment methodCheck number or transfer reference. Cash on a construction job should always be receipted the same day.
- What the payment is for“Deposit on contract dated 2 Mar”, “Progress payment 2 of 3: rough-in complete”, “Final payment”.
- Contract total, previously received, this payment, balance remainingFour numbers that stop every “how much do I still owe” call.
- Change orders included in this paymentListed by number so the contract math still reconciles.
- Lien release noteIf you provide a conditional or unconditional waiver with the payment, say so on the receipt.
Example contractor receipt
What was paid for, one line each, then the amount received and the balance still open. For a payment in full the balance is zero.
| Description | Qty × rate | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Progress payment 2 of 3: framing and rough-in complete | 1 | $8,500.00 |
| Change order #1: add window header, approved 14 Mar | 1 | $340.00 |
| Amount received | $8,840.00 | |
| Balance remaining | $0.00 | |
How to use the template
- Download the PDFFillable form: opens in any PDF reader on a computer or a phone.
- Fill in your details onceName, contact, the fields in the header. Save it as your master copy.
- Issue one per paymentChange the payer, the date paid, the lines and the amount received. Export, send, keep a copy in the contractor's file.
Fill it on your iPhone in a minute instead
Avo keeps your clients and your usual line items, so the next invoice is three taps. Your first three documents are free, full-quality PDF, no watermark. Premium from $59.99/year if you invoice often.
Scan the code with your iPhone camera to open Avo in the App Store, or email yourself the link.
Questions
Does a contractor have to give a receipt for a deposit?
Yes in practice, and in some states by law: California, for example, limits a home improvement deposit to 10% or $1,000 and the receipt is how both sides prove what was paid. A deposit receipt should reference the contract date and show the contract balance.
How do I show progress payments on receipts?
Number them (payment 2 of 3), say what milestone they cover, and carry the running total: contract total, received to date, this payment, balance remaining. The client should never have to add up old receipts.
What is the difference between a contractor receipt and a lien waiver?
The receipt proves you received money. The lien waiver gives up your right to lien the property for that money. Many clients and all lenders want both; issue the receipt with a conditional waiver that becomes unconditional when the check clears.
What if the client paid part of the amount?
Issue a receipt for the amount actually received and show the balance remaining on it. When the rest arrives, issue a second receipt that references the first.