Updated Mar 5, 2026
Originally published Jul 20, 2022

If you claim deductions on your tax return, you should keep records that support them. If the IRS reviews your return, you may be asked to provide documentation.

If you cannot produce proper documentation, your deductions can be reduced or denied. That risk applies whether you file as an individual, run a business, or work for yourself.

One question taxpayers often ask is:

What receipts should I keep for taxes?

In most cases, you should keep:

• Receipts for any deductible expense, whether personal or business
• Itemized receipts are required when the expense requires detailed proof
• Digital copies, if they’re accurate, legible, and properly stored
• Supporting documentation for at least three years, and up to six years in situations where the IRS review period is extended

In this post, you’ll learn when bank and credit card statements are enough, when itemized receipts are required, and how long you should keep your records to protect your deductions.

Do You Need Receipts for Taxes?

Receipts are proof that you paid for an expense. You do not submit receipts with your tax return. However, you must keep them in your records if you claim deductions and need to support them later.

If you take the standard deduction, you generally do not need receipts for personal itemized deductions because you are not claiming them. However, you still need documentation for business expenses, credits, and other reportable tax items.

Both individuals and business owners should maintain records for deductible transactions. Business expenses such as meals, travel, equipment, and supplies require documentation that shows the amount, date, and business purpose.

If the IRS questions your return or selects you for an Internal Revenue Service audit, you’re responsible for producing that documentation. Keeping organized receipts protects your deductions and makes the process far easier to manage.

Does the IRS Accept Digital or Scanned Receipts?

Yes. The IRS accepts digital receipts, including scanned copies, photographs, and receipts sent by email.

You do not have to keep paper originals if your digital records clearly show the transaction details. Each record should include the amount, date, and payee, and for business expenses, the business purpose when required.

Your records must be legible, accurate, and easy to retrieve if the IRS asks for them. If a document is blurry, incomplete, or missing key details, the deduction can be denied. As long as you maintain an organized system and can produce readable copies, electronic storage is acceptable.

What Receipts Should You Keep for Personal Taxes?

If you itemize deductions on your personal return, you need receipts that support each expense you claim. The IRS expects you to keep records that clearly show what you paid, when you paid it, and who you paid.

If you take the standard deduction, you generally do not need receipts for itemized personal expenses because you are not claiming them. However, you should still keep documentation for any credits or other tax items that require proof.

If you do itemize, organize your receipts by category. Common categories include:

• Medical and dental expenses
• Mortgage interest and property taxes
• Charitable contributions
• Casualty and theft losses
• State and local tax payments

Keeping receipts grouped by category makes it easier to calculate deductions accurately and respond quickly if the IRS requests documentation.

Medical Expenses

If you itemize deductions, you can deduct qualified medical expenses you paid for yourself, your spouse, and your dependents. You can only deduct the portion of those expenses that exceeds 7.5% of your adjusted gross income (AGI), so it’s important to keep receipts for every qualifying cost throughout the year.

Common deductible medical expenses include:

• Insurance premiums for medical, dental, vision, long-term care, and Medicare Part B or Part D, as long as you paid them with after-tax dollars
• Co-payments for doctor visits, dental care, vision care, and prescriptions
• Prescription drugs and insulin
• Medical equipment such as eyeglasses, contact lenses, hearing aids, crutches, wheelchairs, and breast pumps
• Fees for medical exams, diagnostic tests, and hospital services
• Treatment from licensed professionals, including chiropractors, psychologists, psychiatrists, podiatrists, and physical therapists
• Smoking cessation programs and weight loss programs prescribed by a doctor
• Transportation costs related to medical care, including mileage, parking, tolls, and certain lodging expenses for out-of-town treatment

Keep records that clearly show what you paid, when you paid it, and who provided the service. If your total qualifying expenses exceed the 7.5% AGI threshold, those receipts support the deduction you claim on your return.

Charitable Donations and Required Documentation

Donations you make to qualified charitable organizations may be eligible for a tax deduction if you itemize your deductions. You should keep documentation for every contribution you plan to claim.

Most deductible donations are made to organizations the IRS recognizes as 501(c)(3) public charities. If you receive something in exchange for your donation, such as event tickets or merchandise, you can only deduct the portion that exceeds the value of what you received.

Documentation requirements depend on the amount and type of donation:

• Keep a bank record, credit card statement, or written receipt for cash contributions.
• For any single donation of $250 or more, you must obtain a written acknowledgment from the organization before you file your return.
• For noncash donations, keep a receipt describing the donated property, and follow additional reporting rules if the value exceeds certain thresholds.

Cash contributions to public charities are generally deductible up to 60% of your adjusted gross income, though lower limits may apply depending on the type of donation and the organization.

Keep all written acknowledgments and supporting records with your tax files in case the IRS requests verification.

Childcare Expenses

Certain dependent care expenses may qualify for the Child and Dependent Care Credit. Qualifying expenses include amounts paid to a daycare provider, babysitter, after-school program, or day camp, as long as the care allows you and your spouse to work or look for work.

To qualify, the dependent must generally be a child under age 13 whom you claim on your return, or a spouse or dependent who is physically or mentally unable to care for themselves. If you are married, both spouses must have earned income unless one is a full-time student or disabled.

You must keep records of all payments and report the care provider’s name, address, and Social Security Number or Employer Identification Number on your return. Without complete documentation, the credit can be denied.

Large Purchases and Sales Tax Deductions

If you itemize deductions, you can deduct either state and local income taxes or state and local sales taxes on your federal return. You cannot deduct both.

If you live in a state with no income tax or you made a large purchase during the year, deducting sales tax may result in a larger benefit. In addition to the standard IRS sales tax tables, you can add the actual sales tax paid on major purchases such as a vehicle, boat, or RV.

The total deduction for state and local taxes, including income, sales, and property taxes, is capped at $40,000 per return under current federal law.

If you claim a sales tax deduction based on actual large purchases, keep the purchase receipt to prove the amount of sales tax you paid.

Should I Keep Grocery Receipts for Taxes?

In most cases, you do not need to keep grocery receipts for your personal tax return. Groceries are considered personal living expenses and are not deductible. However, there are limited circumstances in which grocery receipts may support a valid deduction.

1. You own a food business. If you operate a restaurant, catering company, bakery, or other food-related business, grocery purchases may qualify as ordinary and necessary business expenses. You should keep those receipts to substantiate your deductions.

2. You donate food to a qualified charity. If you donate food items to a 501(c)(3) organization and plan to claim a charitable deduction, keep your grocery receipt and obtain written acknowledgment from the charity.

3. You follow a doctor-prescribed diet for a medical condition. In limited cases, you may deduct the portion of food costs that exceeds your normal dietary expenses if the diet is prescribed to treat a specific medical condition. You must keep detailed receipts and documentation from your physician to support the deduction.

Most taxpayers will not need grocery receipts. But if you claim any of the deductions above, you should keep them to support your return in case the IRS requests documentation.

What Receipts Should Business Owners and the Self-Employed Keep?

If you own a business or work for yourself, documentation matters even more. Self-employed income is reported on Schedule C, and the IRS often reviews business expense deductions closely because they directly reduce taxable income and self-employment tax.

You should keep receipts and records for all ordinary and necessary business expenses, including:

• Supplies and materials
• Office expenses
• Business insurance
• Travel and lodging
• Meals related to business activities
• Marketing and advertising
• Utilities
• Rent
• Equipment and machinery
  

If you claim a home office deduction, you must keep records that support both the business use of your home and the related expenses. This includes mortgage interest or rent, utilities, insurance, repairs, and documentation showing that the space is used regularly and exclusively for business.

Because business deductions are reported on Schedule C, you are responsible for maintaining documentation that shows the amount, date, payee, and business purpose of each expense. Without proper records, deductions can be reduced or denied during an Internal Revenue Service audit.

If you need help organizing your records or reviewing deductible expenses, our business tax services team can help ensure your documentation supports every deduction you claim.

Do You Need Itemized Receipts for Business Expenses?

In many cases, yes. An itemized receipt shows exactly what you purchased, not just the total amount paid. It typically lists each item or service, the date, the vendor, and the amount charged.

A credit card or bank statement alone is often not enough, as it usually shows only the total transaction amount and the merchant name. That does not prove what you bought or whether the expense qualifies as a deductible business cost.

For example, if you take a client to dinner, a credit card statement will show the restaurant and the total charge. An itemized receipt shows the food and beverages purchased and supports the business purpose of the meal. Without that detail, the deduction may be denied.

When possible, keep the itemized receipt along with proof of payment. That combination provides stronger documentation if the IRS reviews your return.

The $75 Receipt Rule

You may have heard that you don’t need receipts for expenses under $75. That rule exists, but it’s limited.

The $75 exception generally applies to certain travel expenses, such as meals or transportation. It does not apply to lodging. Even when a receipt is not required, you still need to keep a written record of the expense. That record should show the amount, the date, where it occurred, and the business purpose.

For example, if you spend $40 on a business meal while traveling, you may not need the physical receipt. But you should still document who you met with, where you were, and why the expense was business-related.

The $75 rule does not remove your responsibility to support deductions. If the IRS reviews your return, you must still be able to explain and substantiate the expense.

Can I Use Bank Statements as Receipts for Taxes?

A bank or credit card statement is not a substitute for a receipt in most cases. However, it can sometimes support a deduction if it shows enough detail and is paired with other records.

Statements may support routine business expenses when the transaction clearly identifies the vendor and the expense is obvious. For example, a charge from a known office supply store may help confirm a supplies purchase if the amount is reasonable and consistent with your business activity.

Statements are usually insufficient when the IRS requires specific substantiation.

This includes:

• Travel expenses that require documentation of date, location, and business purpose
• Business meals that require documentation of who attended and the purpose of the meeting
• Charitable donations of $250 or more require a written acknowledgment from the charity
• Vehicle mileage, which requires a contemporaneous mileage log

For example, a credit card statement showing a $300 charge at a restaurant does not prove who attended the meal or its business purpose. An itemized receipt and a brief meeting record provide stronger support.

Before relying on a bank statement, ask yourself:

• Does it clearly show the vendor and amount?
• Can you explain the business purpose?
• Do IRS rules require additional written documentation?

If any of these answers are unclear, keep the original receipt whenever possible.

Do Credit Card Statements Count as Receipts?

Credit card statements show that you paid a merchant. They do not usually show what you purchased.

In some cases, a statement can help confirm the date, amount, and vendor of a transaction. That may be enough for routine expenses where the nature of the purchase is obvious and no additional documentation is required.

However, a credit card statement does not provide itemized details. It does not show what items were purchased, who attended a business meal, or the business purpose of the expense. When IRS rules require specific substantiation, such as for travel, meals, vehicle expenses, or larger charitable donations, a statement alone is not sufficient.

As a general rule, use your credit card statement as supporting proof of payment, not as a replacement for an itemized receipt.

How to Organize Receipts for Taxes

Keeping receipts only helps if you can find them when you need them. Use a simple, consistent system so your records stay complete and easy to retrieve.

1. Sort receipts by category and date

Group receipts by deduction category, such as travel, meals, supplies, utilities, charitable contributions, or medical expenses. Organizing them by category and date makes it easier to prepare your return and respond to IRS questions.

2. Write notes when the purpose is not obvious

If the business purpose is not clear from the receipt, document it at the time of the expense. For example, note who attended a business meal and the reason for the meeting. Contemporaneous notes are more credible than explanations created years later.

3. Keep proof of payment

Whenever possible, keep both the itemized receipt and proof of payment, such as a credit card confirmation or bank record. Together, they provide stronger support than either document alone.

4. Store receipts electronically

Scanning or photographing receipts protects you from fading thermal paper and physical damage. Make sure images are clear and complete, including any notes written on the back. Your records must remain legible and easy to retrieve.

5. Maintain supporting records

Use a calendar, mileage log, or accounting software to document business purpose, travel dates, and client meetings. These records strengthen your position if a receipt is lost.

Digital vs. Paper Receipts

The IRS accepts both digital and paper records as long as they are accurate, legible, and accessible.

Your responsibility is not the format. It’s the integrity of the record. Whether digital or paper, you must be able to produce readable documentation that supports the deduction you claim.

If you’re selected for an audit, working with a qualified CPA or tax audit firm can help ensure your records are presented clearly and your deductions are properly supported.

How Long Should You Keep Receipts for Tax Purposes?

You should keep receipts for as long as the IRS can legally review your return. For most taxpayers, that means at least three years. In certain situations, the retention period is longer.

Here is a summary of current IRS recordkeeping time limits for 2026:

Because different rules apply depending on your situation, many taxpayers keep supporting documentation for at least six years to reduce risk.

You can find the full details on the IRS website.

What Happens If You Get Audited and Don’t Have Receipts?

If the IRS audits your return and you cannot provide receipts, here’s what typically happens:

• Your deduction may be denied. If you cannot substantiate an expense, the IRS can remove it from your return, which increases your taxable income.
• You may owe additional tax, interest, and penalties. In some cases, the IRS can assess a 20% accuracy-related penalty if it determines negligence or a substantial understatement.
• You may be able to reconstruct certain expenses. You can request duplicate receipts from vendors or use supporting records such as bank statements for routine expenses. However, this does not work for every category.
• Some expenses require strict documentation. Travel, business meals, vehicle mileage, and charitable donations of $250 or more are subject to specific substantiation rules. Without proper records, those deductions are often disallowed.
• Professional guidance can help. If your documentation is incomplete, working with a qualified CPA can improve the organization and presentation of your records.

Frequently Asked Questions About Receipts for Taxes

Below are answers to common questions taxpayers ask about keeping and using receipts for tax purposes.

Do credit card statements count as receipts for tax deductions?

A credit card statement shows that you paid a merchant, but it usually does not show what you purchased. In some cases, it can support routine expenses when the vendor and amount are clear. However, when IRS rules require detailed substantiation, such as for travel or charitable donations over $250, a statement alone is not enough. Keep the itemized receipt whenever possible.

Does the IRS accept photographed receipts?

Yes. The IRS accepts photographs or scans of receipts as long as they are clear, accurate, and easy to retrieve. Your digital copy must show all relevant details of the transaction. If the image is incomplete or unreadable, the deduction can be denied.

Can tax deductions be claimed without receipts?

You are responsible for substantiating every deduction you claim. In limited situations, you may be able to reconstruct expenses using other records, such as bank statements or duplicate invoices. However, certain expenses require strict documentation, and without it, the IRS can disallow the deduction.

Do receipts need to be itemized to be valid?

In many cases, yes. An itemized receipt shows what you purchased, not just the total amount paid. For expenses that require proof of business purpose or detailed substantiation, a simple payment confirmation is usually not sufficient.

Are emailed receipts valid proof for the IRS?

Yes. An emailed receipt is acceptable if it clearly shows the date, amount, vendor, and purchase details. You must store it in a way that allows you to retrieve and reproduce it if requested.

What documentation is required for travel expenses?

Travel expenses require more than proof of payment. You should keep records that show the date, location, amount, and business purpose of the trip. For meals and mileage, you should also document who was involved and how the expense relates to your business.

Final Thoughts: Protect Your Deductions and Reduce Audit Risk

If you itemize deductions, it’s essential to maintain complete records of deductible expenses and tax credits. Keeping your receipts ensures a smoother tax audit process and allows you to claim all eligible personal and business expenses. Having a qualified bookkeeper to assist can make managing these tasks much easier.

Need help reviewing your receipts or claiming tax deductions? CMP is a CPA firm serving clients nationwide, with offices in St. George, Layton, and Logan. We help ensure your documentation supports every deduction you claim.