A sales receipt is proof of a completed transaction. For consumer sales, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 gives buyers rights regardless of whether they have a receipt — but a receipt makes returns and warranty claims much easier. For private sales of vehicles, a receipt is especially important.

• Consumer Rights Act: consumers have rights even without a receipt
• Receipt is evidence of the transaction — not a warranty in itself
• Vehicle sales: receipt should include make, model, VIN/reg, and mileage
• VAT: if the seller is VAT registered, a VAT invoice must be issued
• Private sales: "sold as seen" must be disclosed — Misrepresentation Act 1967 applies

Legal reference: Consumer Rights Act 2015; Misrepresentation Act 1967; VAT Act 1994