Tax and record keeping – how many years of receipts should I keep?

You file your tax return and then, ideally, you don't think about your taxes until the next year. But you do need to hang on to your receipts and records for 5 years. Here's what you need to keep.

The Australian Tax Office (ATO) requires that you keep written evidence of any claims and expenses in your tax return for 5 years from the date you lodge your tax return, in case you need to give proof to the ATO down the track, or amend a prior year's return. Proper record-keeping also helps make sure you don't pay more tax than you need to, so it's in your best interest to keep as many records as you can.

How many years of tax records should I keep in Australia?

In most cases, you should keep your tax return records for 5 years following the date that the return was lodged. The main records you should keep for 5 years are:

1. Proof of income.

All payments you have received, including wages, interest, dividends, rental income, etc. These will mostly be digital records in the form of bank statements – a great place to store them is secure cloud storage, like Google Drive or Dropbox, so they're accessible even if your computer is damaged.

2. Expenses.

Any costs that you incurred and claimed on tax, which are related to the income you received. For example, if you purchase a special uniform for work or made a repair on your investment property.

3. Donations.

Donations, contributions or gifts to charitable organisations of over $2 are tax deductible. They charity must be registered with the as a deductible gift recipient (DGR), and you can't claim gifts or donations that provide you with a personal benefit (like raffle tickets or merchandise).

4. Superannuation contributions

Keep records of contributions you've made into your super fund, especially those that you're claiming a tax deduction for. Bank statements should be fine.

5. Evidence of buying or selling an investment asset

Paperwork related to the acquisition or sale of an asset, like the contract of sale on a house purchase, or details of shares you've bought.

Karan Anand's headshot
Expert insight: Unsure what you can claim at tax time?

"The ATO has three golden rules: You must have spent the money yourself, without reimbursement. The expense must directly relate to earning income. And you need a record – usually a receipt."

Managing Director of Hnry Australia

There are a few other things you may want to hang on to, like receipts for medical expenses for you and any family member listed on your Medicare (in case you reach the Medicare Safety Net). Also keep record of your previous year's tax returns and refund details – as well as the cost of managing tax affairs, as you can claim a deduction for that. In more complicated situations, the ATO has other rules, for instance:

  • If you have claimed a deduction for a decline in the value of property, keep records for 5 years after the date of your last claim for a decline in value (formerly known as depreciation of value).
  • If you are currently having a dispute with the ATO, you will want to keep your tax records for the year in question for 5 years following the resolution of the dispute.

What happens if you get audited and don't have receipts?

In the event that important tax documents like receipts and invoices have been lost or destroyed, you may still be able to use the information contained in them if:

  • You have a copy of the document in its entirety.
  • You took reasonable precaution to prevent the loss or destruction and it is not possible to obtain a substitute.

That said, if the ATO reviews your tax return and you don't have evidence to support claims for a deduction, your claims can be disallowed (taken off your tax return).

Not having the right tax records when it comes time to lodge your return could cost you money. Save whatever you think may be relevant in a safe place throughout the year, to be sure that you are receiving a correct assessment and possible refund.

Nicole Kelly's headshot
Expert insight: Don't risk losing your deductions

"Using cloud-based software offers numerous benefits for managing your tax records efficiently. It provides real-time access to your financial data from anywhere, enhancing flexibility and convenience. This digital approach keeps your records up-to-date and reduces the risk of errors and missed deductions through live bank feeds. Permanent document storage ensures full substantiation across the years, which is crucial for capital claims to minimise CGT. With the ATO scrutinising individual taxpayers more closely, there's never been a better time to go digital and ensure your records are audit-proof."

CEO & founder, TaxTank

Finder survey: How do Australians track their monthly expenses?

Response
Banking app22.31%
I don't track my expenses16.63%
No formal tracking15.34%
Spreadsheet15.34%
Pen and paper14.54%
Budgeting app4.68%
Receipts and invoices3.59%
Expense tracking in statements3.09%
Automated transactions2.79%
Other1.69%
Source: Finder survey by Pure Profile of 1004 Australians, December 2023

How far back can the ATO audit you?

Tax law sets specific time limits around filing your taxes by the deadline, and both auditing and amending returns. Generally, the ATO can audit records for most individual taxpayers going back 2 years.

For larger businesses, the period is generally extended to 4 years.

However, there is no time limit on audits if the ATO suspects tax fraud or evasion.


DISCLAIMER: Many of the comments in this article are general in nature and anyone intending to apply the information to practical circumstances should seek professional advice to independently verify their interpretation and the information applicability to their own particular circumstances.

Sarah Megginson's headshot
To make sure you get accurate and helpful information, this guide has been edited by Sarah Megginson as part of our fact-checking process.
Shirley Liu's headshot
Written by

Publisher

Shirley Liu is Finder's global program manager. She was previously the publisher for banking and investments and has also written comparisons for energy, money transfers, Uber Eats and many other topics. Shirley has a Master of Commerce and a Bachelor of Media, Journalism and Communications from the University of New South Wales. She is passionate about helping people find the best deal for their needs. See full bio

Ask a question

You are about to post a question on finder.com.au:

  • Do not enter personal information (eg. surname, phone number, bank details) as your question will be made public
  • finder.com.au is a financial comparison and information service, not a bank or product provider
  • We cannot provide you with personal advice or recommendations
  • Your answer might already be waiting – check previous questions below to see if yours has already been asked

Finder only provides general advice and factual information, so consider your own circumstances, or seek advice before you decide to act on our content. By submitting a question, you're accepting our Terms Of Service and Finder Group Privacy & Cookies Policy.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

More guides on Finder

Go to site