We appreciate you reaching out today, Firstclassbrenda. Allow me to share insights on how receiving invoice payments works in QuickBooks Online.

Beforehand, it seems like you've posted your concern from the United Kingdom (UK) Community forum, I'd gladly route and welcome you to share your questions through the United States (US) Community board. You can always ask and start a discussion from there, and we'll be available 24/7 to provide the assistance you need.

If you're using QuickBooks Payments, managing invoices paid from your customers through e-payment links, payments will usually float to the merchant services and mark the invoices as paid. This process doesn't require generating sales receipts since this will eventually correspond to the original invoice. You'll want to take and receive the invoice payments paid from your customer to ensure invoicing records are entered in your QuickBooks account and to make your sales transactions accurate.

However, if you're using other e-payment services or third-party providers, mapping these payments to your invoices may be their usual processing. I'd suggest reaching out to them to seek proper assistance on why these payments generate sales receipts and will require you to create a separate invoice. 

Moreover, you'll want to run specific reports to see your sales and inventory status in your account. It contains detailed information to help you review your business finances and sales data.

If you need additional assistance in recording invoice payments, we'll keep this thread open so you can leave a reply in the comments below. We'll ensure to get you covered. Keep safe and have a good one!