Proof of purchase (7) - Crossword Clue
Answer: RECEIPT
Understanding Your Receipt
- Every receipt contains critical information: the merchant's name and location, itemized list of purchases, transaction date and time, payment method used, and the total amount paid.
- Modern receipts often include additional details like return policy terms, warranty information, and loyalty program points earned.
- Digital receipts have become increasingly popular, arriving via email or stored in mobile apps, offering the same legal validity as traditional paper versions.
Why Receipts Matter for Consumer Protection
- Keeping your receipts protects your rights as a buyer. Without this proof of purchase, returning defective products becomes nearly impossible, and warranty claims may be denied.
- Tax authorities require receipts for business expense deductions, while budgeting apps rely on receipt data to track spending patterns.
- Insurance companies demand receipts when processing claims for stolen or damaged items, making these documents invaluable for financial security.
Tips for Managing Your Receipts
- Go Digital First: Use receipt scanning apps like Expensify or Shoeboxed to photograph and organize paper receipts before they fade
- Create Categories: Sort receipts by type—tax-deductible expenses, warranty items, returns, and personal purchases—for easier retrieval
- Set Retention Rules: Keep receipts for major purchases (electronics, appliances) for the warranty period, typically 1-3 years
- Email Receipt Options: Always choose email receipts when offered at checkout to create automatic backups
- Monthly Purge Schedule: Review and discard unnecessary receipts monthly, keeping only tax-relevant or warranty-protected items
- Cloud Storage System: Upload important receipts to Google Drive or Dropbox with clear naming conventions (date-merchant-amount)
Proof of purchase (7) - 7 Little Words - FAQs
Q:How long should I keep receipts?
Keep everyday purchase receipts for 30-90 days for returns. Store receipts for major purchases until warranties expire (1-5 years). Tax-related receipts require 3-7 years retention depending on your jurisdiction and business status.
Q:Are digital receipts legally valid?
Yes, electronic receipts hold the same legal weight as paper versions for returns, warranties, and tax purposes. Ensure you back them up properly since emails can be deleted accidentally.
Q:What if a receipt fades completely?
Thermal paper receipts fade within months. Photograph or scan important receipts immediately after purchase. If a receipt has faded, contact the merchant—many can reprint transaction records using your payment card information.
Q:Can I get a receipt for a cash purchase after leaving the store?
Policies vary by merchant, but most cannot reissue receipts for cash transactions without additional proof. Some stores may access transaction history if you provide the exact date, time, and purchase details.
Q:Do I need receipts for credit card purchases?
Credit card statements show merchants and amounts but lack itemized details needed for returns, warranties, or specific tax deductions. Always obtain itemized receipts for significant purchases regardless of payment method.
