In today’s digital age, managing tax documentation has evolved, with an increasing focus on digital and photographic receipts. As tax time rolls around each year, the question arises: Do you need to keep receipts for tax purposes? The short answer is yes, but the way we can store and manage these receipts has changed significantly, especially in Australia. Let’s delve into the modern approach to handling receipts for tax purposes.

The Importance of Receipts for Tax

  • Proof of Expenses: Receipts are essential as they serve as proof of the expenses you claim on your tax return. They are critical in case the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) requires evidence to substantiate your claims.
  • Accurate Record-Keeping: Keeping receipts helps ensure that your tax return is accurate and maximises your entitled deductions.

Going Digital with Receipts

  • ATO’s Acceptance: The ATO accepts digital copies of receipts. This shift to digital means you can store receipts electronically, reducing the need for physical storage.
  • Types of Digital Receipts: Digital receipts can include scanned copies, photographs of receipts, or digital documents provided by suppliers.

Best Practices for Digital Receipts

  • Clarity and Readability: Ensure that the digital copies are clear and legible. All relevant details such as the date, supplier, amount, and nature of the goods or services must be visible.
  • Organised Storage: Organise your digital receipts in a systematic manner. Utilising cloud storage or dedicated financial software can help keep your receipts accessible and well-organised.
  • Back-Up Copies: Maintain back-up copies of your digital receipts to prevent loss due to technical failures.

Using Photographic Receipts

  • Taking Photos of Receipts: A practical way to store digital receipts is by taking photos of them. Most smartphones now have high-quality cameras that can capture clear images of receipts.
  • Photo Management Apps: There are several apps available that can help manage and categorise these photographic receipts, some of which can integrate with accounting software.

The Role of Accounting Software

  • Integration with Software: Many modern accounting software platforms allow the integration of digital receipts. They can categorise and match receipts to transactions, streamlining your record-keeping process.
  • Simplifying Tax Returns: This integration can greatly simplify the process of preparing and filing your tax return, ensuring all deductions are accurately accounted for.

The Benefits of Digital Receipts

  • Environmentally Friendly: Reducing the need for paper receipts is a more environmentally sustainable practice.
  • Ease of Access: Digital receipts can be accessed from anywhere, making it easier to manage taxes, especially for individuals who travel or work remotely.
  • Space Saving: It eliminates the need for physical storage spaces for heaps of paper receipts.


The transition to digital and photographic receipts offers a convenient and efficient way of managing tax documentation. It aligns with modern practices, providing ease of access, better organisation, and environmental benefits. For anyone navigating the complexities of tax returns, embracing digital receipts is a step towards streamlined and effective tax management.