How Long Should a Business Keep Receipts in Ireland?
The DiscountTillRolls.ie TeamRevenue generally expects Irish businesses to keep their records, including receipts and invoices, for six years. The trouble is that a thermal receipt can fade well before then, especially if it sits somewhere warm or in a plastic sleeve. The simple fix is to scan or photograph receipts you need to keep, and store the originals somewhere cool, dark and dry. Always check the current rules with your accountant or Revenue, as they can differ for your situation.
We are a till roll supplier, not accountants, so treat this as a practical guide rather than tax advice.
In this guide
- How long should I keep receipts?
- Why do receipts fade?
- How to keep receipts readable
- Does the paper make a difference?
- FAQ
How long should I keep receipts?
The general rule from Revenue is six years, counted from the end of the accounting period the record relates to. That covers things like purchase receipts, sales records, till Z reads and invoices. In some cases, for example if a return is late or under enquiry, you may need to keep records for longer.
Because the details change and depend on your business, check Revenue's guidance on record keeping or ask your accountant before you throw anything out.
Why do receipts fade?
Thermal paper has a heat sensitive coating. The printer heats tiny spots to turn them dark, and the same coating keeps reacting to the world around it. Receipts fade faster when they meet:
- Heat and sunlight, like a car dashboard or a sunny windowsill.
- Plastic sleeves and wallets, as some plastics react with the coating.
- Hand creams, oils and alcohol gels.
- Friction and folding, which can scuff the print.
We cover this in more detail in why thermal paper fades quickly.
How to keep receipts readable
| Do | Avoid |
|---|---|
| Scan or photograph receipts the same week | Leaving them in a drawer for a year first |
| Store originals in paper envelopes or boxes | Plastic sleeves and laminating |
| Keep them cool, dark and dry | Cars, attics and sunny windows |
| Label envelopes by month or quarter | One big bag of loose receipts |
A quick photocopy of an important receipt also works, since a photocopy won't fade the way thermal paper can.
Does the paper make a difference?
Yes, a bit. Better quality thermal paper holds its print longer, and heavier paper resists scuffing. If you print receipts customers may need to keep, such as warranties or returns, good paper helps. It still won't beat a scan, though.
BPA-free and phenol-free receipt rolls for 80mm printers.
For card machines, there are phenol-free 57x40mm rolls too. Our phenol-free paper guide explains the difference.
Frequently asked questions
How long do I need to keep receipts in Ireland?
Revenue generally expects business records to be kept for six years. Check with your accountant or Revenue for your own situation.
Is a scanned receipt good enough?
Many businesses keep digital copies. Ask your accountant whether scans meet your record keeping needs.
Why has my receipt gone blank?
Thermal paper fades with heat, light, plastics and oils. Scan important receipts early.
Do thermal receipts fade faster in plastic sleeves?
They can. Some plastics react with the thermal coating, so paper envelopes are safer.
Receipts worth keeping.
Quality thermal till rolls and card machine rolls, dispatched from Dublin 12.
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