What is an invoice?

An invoice serves as a comprehensive record detailing the goods or services provided by a seller to a buyer. It typically includes important information such as the description of the items, their quantities, prices, and the total amount due, alongside payment terms. This document is crucial for both parties: it acts as a formal request for payment and provides an account of the transaction that can later be referenced for issues like reconciling accounts or managing budgets.

The other options include aspects that could be associated with financial transactions, but they do not sufficiently capture the essence of what an invoice is. For example, while an invoice does serve as a request for payment, the core function revolves around detailing the transaction itself. A summary of financial accounts would not specify individual transactions and is more related to overall financial statements. Similarly, a document verifying payment is made pertains to receipts, not invoices, which indicate an obligation to pay rather than confirming payment completion.