IRS Requirements for Receipts

The IRS requires taxpayers keep "documentary evidence" of most expenses. Documentary evidence is tangible, written proof you actually had an expense. Receipts, canceled checks, bank statements or bills are generally fine, but an estimate of an expense won't cut it. The IRS wants taxpayers to prove the exact amount they spent. If you do most of your shopping online, you'll probably be home-free because you'll have receipts in your email.

If your expense is less than $75, you don't need a receipt. If you deduct driving and other transportation expenses, you can keep a mileage log instead of providing receipts. For example, if you fill up your car and then use half of the tank to drive to meet clients, you wouldn't be able to verify this with a receipt and could instead use a log. Finally, you or your employer don't have to show receipts if you use per diems, but you do have to show a log or some other proof of the expense.

You're not allowed to estimate your expenses or to give a general ballpark figure of how much you think you can deduct. This is when you'll need your receipts. If you're audited, you'll have to show them. But even if you're not audited, your receipts can help remind you of your expenses, making it easier to get every possible deduction.

The IRS has three years to audit a normal return. If the IRS believes you under reported your income, or underpaid by more than 25 percent, it has six years. If you don't file, or the return was fraudulent, there's no time limit. To be completely safe, you should retain your receipts forever. If you can't hang on to receipts forever, keep them at least seven years.