Don't Panic
Losing a receipt doesn't necessarily mean you can't claim the expense. Alternative proof may be accepted. Let's go through your options.
First Steps to Take
When you realize a receipt is lost, first check the following:
Credit Card Statements
For card payments, statements show vendor and amount. Often accepted as alternative proof.
Bank Account History
For transfers or direct debits, bank books or transaction history can serve as proof.
Email Inbox
Check for order confirmation emails from e-commerce sites or service usage statements.
Receipt Reissue
Some stores can reissue receipts from purchase records. It's worth asking.
Potentially Acceptable Alternative Proof
| Payment Method | Alternative Proof Options | Likelihood of Acceptance |
|---|---|---|
| Credit Card | Card statement + expense memo | High |
| Bank Transfer | Bank book/statement + invoice copy | High |
| E-commerce Purchase | Order confirmation email + purchase history | High |
| Electronic Money | Charge history + usage history from app | Medium |
| Cash | Cash voucher + situation explanation memo | Low |
Important Note
Alternative proof is not "guaranteed" to be accepted. During tax audits, the final decision is made by the tax office. Keeping original receipts is always the safest approach.
For Cash Payments: Creating a Cash Voucher
For cash payments with lost receipts, you can create a "cash voucher" as a record. However, this is supplementary evidence and may not be suitable for large expenses.
Items to Include in Cash Voucher
- Payment date
- Payee (store name/vendor name)
- Payment amount
- Payment details/description
- Expense category
- (If possible) Circumstances of receipt loss
Preventing Future Loss
Tips for Prevention
- Take a photo with your phone right when you receive a receipt
- Designate a "receipt pocket" in your wallet or bag
- Make a habit of organizing receipts weekly
- Use cashless payments when possible (leaves a record)
The most reliable method is to digitize receipts the moment you receive them. With a smartphone app, just snap a photo and it's automatically saved to the cloud, eliminating the risk of loss.
