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What is a credit note?

A credit note (credit memo) is a document that reduces what a customer owes — issued for returns, billing errors, or goodwill adjustments. It references the original invoice and states the credited amount, keeping your books honest instead of just deleting the invoice.

In practice

A supplier overbilled $150 on invoice INV-88. Rather than editing history, they issue credit note CN-12 for $150 against INV-88; the customer's next invoice is $150 lighter.

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Frequently asked questions

When do I issue a credit note instead of editing the invoice?

Always, once the invoice is sent. Sent invoices are history — corrections get their own document referencing the original.

Does a credit note need its own numbering?

Yes — its own sequence (CN-001...), referencing the original invoice number. That keeps the audit trail clean.

Credit note vs. refund — what's the difference?

A credit note reduces what the customer owes (often applied to a future invoice); a refund returns cash already paid. Sometimes you issue both.