Items Needed List:
- Receipts
- Paper Shredder
- Trash Bin
- File Cabinet
- File Folder
- *Small Bin with Lid & Name Tag (“Receipts”) if you do not own a Filing Cabinet
If you now own a paper shredder, this task will be much easier. Otherwise, be prepared to cut your receipts with a scissors.
For Security purposes and a clutter-free environment, the task of going through your Receipts is essential.
Many people simply toss-out their Receipts, directly after a purchase. Some simply inform the sales clerk that a receipt is not necessary. As this is unquestionably a quick way to be clutter-free, I do not recommend this abrupt idea.
Receipts are now an element of life. Long ago in small towns, shop owners knew every customer and each product stocked. Today, life is further complicated. Aside from the vital TAX RECORD, that receipts provide, your receipt should be looked at in the same fashion as cash in your wallet. Whether your purchase is a Gift or for yourself, receipts enable you to “Exchange the Item” or “Return for a full Refund”.
Non-returnable Items/Rules that most Retail Shops follow:
- Cameras/Digital Recorders
- Opened CDs/Movies
- Party Dresses/Formal Ware
- Alerted/Special Orders
- Swimsuits/Undergarments
- Holiday Items/Seasonal
The above list may not be returned unless item is defective, and an exchange for same product match is required. Each Store/Corporation will list their individual policies on Returns/Exchanges. Usually, corporate/chain stores are more liberal about returns. Specialty Boutiques usually allow neither return nor refund, yet maintain their upscale cliental quite pleased by carrying items not commonly found by the general public.
Receipts To Keep until Recorded/Used :
- Automobile Regular Maintenance/Service
- Clothing
- Food/Grocery
- Haircut/Hairstyling
- Gasoline/Petrol
- Restaurant/Trip Bills
- Shoes
- Service
Receipts To Store For Taxes:
- Auto Purchase/Rental for Work
- Birth of Child
- Business Property Purchase/Rental
- Business Trip Expenditures
- Career Clothing
- Career Enrichment Courses
- Charity/Donation Slips
- Childcare/After-School/Dependent Care
- College/School Bills
- Computer/Career Supplies
- Conversion to Green Energy/Energy Efficient
- Dependent Costs
- Gasoline/Petrol
- Medical/Hospital
- Mobility Devices
- Pharmacy/Medication
- School Supplies (Uniforms, Books, etc)
- Student Loan Payments
- Transportation Expenses (Ferry, Train/Monorail, Bus, and Parking Fees)
Charity/Non-Profit Organization Filing
*Check with your Tax Advisor
Once you have separated, tossed-out, shredded, and organized your receipts, file folders labeled with Month/Year can hold each group, in your filing cabinet.
All content by Europa Pirate
