How Do I Find Lost Receipts?
We’ve all been there—you’re getting ready for tax season, reviewing your books, or maybe preparing for an audit, and suddenly you realize… a few receipts are missing. Your heart sinks.
Now what?
Receipts aren’t just little slips of paper; they’re proof. They back up your deductions, support your expense reports, and keep your financials clean. So, when they go missing, it can feel like money slipping right through your fingers.
But here’s the good news: lost receipts don’t have to derail you. With a little detective work and some smart habits moving forward, you can find (or recreate) what you need.
Why Lost Receipts Are More Than Just Annoying
Missing receipts aren’t just an inconvenience—they can have real consequences:
- Missed deductions = higher taxes.
- Poor records = stress during an audit.
- Gaps in your books = confusion about your actual financial picture.
Ask yourself: Am I leaving money on the table because I can’t prove my expenses?
First Things First: Where to Look
Before you panic, start searching. You’d be surprised how often receipts aren’t actually lost—they’re just hiding. Here’s where to check:
- Email inbox – search for “receipt,” “invoice,” or the vendor name.
- Bank and credit card statements – match transactions to vendors.
- Vendor accounts – Amazon, Uber, airlines, and office supply companies often let you re-download receipts.
- Accounting software – if you’ve been uploading, receipts may already be attached.
- Cloud storage – scan through Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive.
Think of it like a treasure hunt—chances are, the paper may be gone, but a digital copy is waiting for you.
What If You Can’t Find It?
Sometimes the trail goes cold. If that happens, you still have options:
- Contact the vendor – most businesses can reissue a copy.
- Create a written record – jot down the date, amount, vendor, and purpose of the expense.
- Save supporting proof – canceled checks, invoices, or bank statements can back up your expense claim.
The IRS doesn’t expect perfection, but they do expect effort. Documenting your attempt to reconstruct the record shows good faith.
How to Stop Losing Receipts in the First Place
Here’s the part that saves you headaches next year:
- Use an app like Expensify, QuickBooks, to snap receipts instantly.
- Keep a simple folder system (digital or paper) organized by month.
- Make receipt capture a habit—snap the picture before you even leave the checkout counter.
- If you have a team, train them to follow the same process.
Ask yourself: Do I have a system, or am I just hoping I’ll remember where I put things?
When to Call in Backup
If the expense is big, or you’re worried about an audit, it’s time to bring in your bookkeeper or CPA. We know what auditors look for and can help you:
- Reconstruct documentation.
- Decide what qualifies.
- Put systems in place so you never scramble again.
Wrapping It Up: Your Next Steps
Lost receipts happen—it’s part of running a business. But you don’t have to let them cost you money or peace of mind.
Here’s what to do:
- Search digital trails—emails, statements, and vendor accounts.
- Reconstruct what you can with logs and backup proof.
- Put a system in place today to prevent future stress.
- Reach out for help if you feel stuck.
Your business deserves clarity and confidence when it comes to finances. Don’t wait until tax season panic sets in. Put strong processes in place now—and if you’d like expert guidance on getting your books organized (without the stress), let’s talk.