How to Scan Receipts for Tax Deductions (Phone Camera to PDF)

Which Receipts Should You Scan for Taxes?

Not every receipt matters for taxes, but the ones that do can save you significant money. Focus on these categories:

IRS Substantiation Requirements

The IRS has specific rules about what counts as adequate documentation for tax deductions. Understanding these now saves headaches during an audit:

• •Under $75 — Receipts are not strictly required for expenses under $75 (except lodging), but having them is strongly recommended.
• •$75 and over — A receipt or other documentary evidence is required. The IRS wants to see the amount, date, place, and business purpose.
• •Digital copies are accepted — The IRS accepts scanned and photographed receipts as valid documentation, as long as they are legible and contain all required information.
• •Retention period — Keep tax records for at least 3 years from the filing date. If you underreport income by more than 25%, the IRS has 6 years to audit you.

Step-by-Step: Scan Receipts to PDF

1. 1

   Open the Receipt Scanner

   Go to the Receipt Scanner on MiOffice from your phone or desktop.

2. 2

   Position and capture

   Point your camera at the receipt on a flat, contrasting surface. The scanner automatically detects the edges and crops the image. Make sure the entire receipt is visible, including the date, vendor name, and total amount.

3. 3

   Batch scan multiple receipts

   Have a stack of receipts? Use batch mode to scan them one after another. Each receipt becomes a separate page in your final PDF.

4. 4

   Export as PDF

   Save your scanned receipts as a single PDF. The scanner applies automatic enhancement to make text sharp and readable, even if the original receipt is faded.

5. 5

   Organize by category

   Create separate PDFs for each expense category (meals, office supplies, travel, etc.). This makes it easy to total up deductions and provide documentation if needed.

Tips for Better Receipt Scans