Never Leave Your Receipts Behind — Here Are 5 Reasons Why
The next time you're about to toss that receipt or leave it on the counter at a business, remember it might be more valuable than you think. Criminals are always looking for a chance to take advantage of situations. When they see an opportunity, they jump on it, so don't become the next victim. One way to protect yourself is to always take your receipt.
#1 You Could Become a Target
Imagine this: you leave behind the customer copy of a receipt at a restaurant, and a dishonest person decides to fill in a generous tip — at your expense. Not cool, right? While it's true that 99.99% of servers wouldn't even consider adding a tip to your unsigned receipt, there's always a chance that someone could take advantage of it. Plus, if you walk out without keeping your receipt, you might find yourself in trouble if you need to dispute a charge later. So, do yourself a favor: take that receipt with you! It's a small step that can save you from potential headaches down the road.
#2 You Can Return and Exchange
Receipts hold a lot of power when it comes to your purchases. Having a receipt means you can return what you bought and get your money back or exchange it for something else. Sure, some stores might give you in-store credit even if you don't have a receipt, but it's often a hassle. With a receipt, your return is usually a breeze. You can walk in, show it, and get your cash back without any fuss.
#3 Proof of Purchase
A receipt shows what you bought truly belongs to you. Imagine this: you're leaving a store, and suddenly the alarm booms. An employee stops you and asks to see your receipt. Without it, you could find yourself in a tricky situation. Having that receipt handy can save you a lot of trouble. It's your way of proving that you legally bought the item, and it can help you avoid awkward confrontations.
#4 Warranties
Your toaster is only a few months old, and suddenly it gives up the ghost. That receipt could be your ticket to getting it replaced. Instead of spending time and money on a new toaster, you can simply bring in your receipt and get a brand-new toaster without any hassle. Saving that receipt is a small step that can lead to big rewards!
#5 Taxes
One of the best reasons to save your receipts is for tax season since many purchases can actually lower your taxable income. For example, if you have medical expenses, you can include costs like gas, parking, or tolls related to your medical care. If you're self-employed, almost anything you buy for your business could be tax deductible, too. Just remember the IRS recommends saving those receipts for at least three years after you file. Even if you're unsure whether a receipt qualifies, keep it and ask your CPA.
Every time you make a purchase, you receive proof of what you bought and that it belongs to you. If you handle most of the shopping in your household, you'll end up with a lot of receipts, and you never know which ones might become important later. Before you decide to toss them all, think about the ways those receipts can help you in the future. Keeping them might just save you time, money, and stress down the line.
References: Are Receipts Really Worth Keeping? | Why You Should Never Leave the Customer Copy of Your Receipt at a Restaurant | 5 Reasons Not to Leave the Receipt Behind
