Intelligent Receipt

How long should I keep receipts for the ATO?

The short answer is five years. Here is when the clock starts, what a valid record looks like, and why a photo is just as good as the paper.

Updated 7 October 2026 · 4 minute read

The five-year rule

You generally need to keep your records for five years from the date you lodge your tax return — not from the date of the purchase. A receipt from August 2026 claimed in a return lodged in October 2027 needs to be kept until at least October 2032.

Some records need to be kept longer, for example:

  • records for assets you are depreciating, for five years after the last year you claim depreciation;
  • records of assets that may give rise to a capital gain or loss, for five years after the event;
  • if your return is being reviewed or amended, until that is finished.

What a valid receipt shows

A receipt or invoice should show:

  • the name of the supplier;
  • the amount of the expense;
  • what was bought (goods or services);
  • the date of purchase;
  • the date the document was made out.

If you are registered for GST, purchases over $82.50 (including GST) also need a tax invoice to claim the GST credit — see GST and BAS for sole traders.

Photos and digital copies are fine

The ATO accepts digital records, including photos of paper receipts and emailed or PDF invoices, as long as they are a true and clear copy of the original. That is good news, because thermal paper receipts fade — often within a year or two, long before the five years are up.

Photograph the receipt the day you get it. Intelligent Receipt keeps the photo or PDF with the details it reads, stored securely in Australia, and you can export everything at any time.

What if I lose a receipt?

Try these, in order:

  1. Ask the supplier for a copy — many shops can reprint from their system or email a tax invoice.
  2. Check your email for an electronic receipt or order confirmation.
  3. Use your bank or card statement together with a note of what you bought and why it was for work. A statement on its own shows the amount, not what was bought.

Frequently asked

How long do I need to keep receipts in Australia?

Generally five years from the date you lodge your tax return. Some records, such as those for assets you are depreciating or capital gains, need to be kept longer.

Does the ATO accept photos of receipts?

Yes. Digital copies are accepted if they are a true and clear reproduction of the original, so a clear photo or the original PDF invoice is fine.

What if I lose a receipt?

Ask the supplier for a copy, or use other evidence such as a bank statement together with a note of what was bought and why. A bank statement on its own does not show what you bought.

Related: What receipts can I claim?

General information, not tax advice. Check ato.gov.au or a registered tax agent for your situation.