What deductions can I claim without receipts?
- Kim Yurosko
- Aug 8
- 6 min read
When tax season rolls around, one of the most common questions people in San Martin and the greater South Bay area ask is: “What deductions can I claim without receipts?” Whether you’re a self-employed freelancer, a gig worker, or a small business owner juggling a hundred things at once, losing receipts happens. The good news? The IRS isn’t completely inflexible. There are plenty of legitimate deductions you can still take — even if your documentation is a little thin.
This guide breaks down exactly what deductions you can claim without receipts, how to stay compliant, and how working with a professional tax team like KY Tax Service & Bookkeeping can help you avoid costly mistakes while maximizing your returns.
Home Office Deductions Without Receipts
The Simplified Method: $5 per Square Foot
If you work from home, the IRS lets you claim the home office deduction without receipts by using the simplified method — up to $5 per square foot, for a maximum of 300 square feet. You don’t need to save every utility bill or rent statement. You simply need to prove that the space is used exclusively and regularly for business.
That means your kitchen table won’t qualify, but a clearly designated workspace in your spare bedroom probably does. This method is a lifesaver for freelancers, consultants, and solopreneurs in the South Bay working remotely.
What You Still Need to Document
While you don’t need receipts, the IRS expects you to maintain documentation like:
The exact square footage of your home office
Photos or diagrams showing it’s a separate space
A written record or calendar showing consistent business use
That’s enough to support your deduction in case of an audit.
Vehicle Mileage and Transportation Deductions
Using the Standard Mileage Rate
Driving for work? You can deduct your mileage at the standard IRS rate — which is $0.67 per mile for 2024 — without keeping gas or maintenance receipts. Instead, you’ll need a mileage log that includes:
The date of each trip
Starting point and destination
Purpose of the trip
Total miles driven
Apps like Driversnote or Everlance make it easy to track this digitally, which is far more reliable than a crumpled notebook in your glove box.
Mileage for Charitable Work and Volunteering
If you volunteer for a qualified organization, you can also deduct mileage at $0.14 per mile in 2024. No receipt required — but again, a log showing where, when, and why you drove is essential. Even a printed-out calendar with events and locations can support your claim.
Donations and Giving: Small but Countable
When You Don’t Need a Receipt
You can deduct charitable donations under $250 without a formal receipt. The IRS allows:
Bank statements
Cancelled checks
Credit card records
Charity acknowledgment emails
So if you donated to your local food bank or dropped clothes off at Goodwill in Morgan Hill, a simple financial record will suffice.
What Qualifies—and What Doesn’t
Eligible donations include:
Cash donations to qualified 501(c)(3) nonprofits
Physical goods (clothes, furniture, electronics)
Mileage to and from volunteer events
What doesn’t qualify? Gifts to individuals, political contributions, or anonymous donations without a traceable record. For donations over $250, you’ll need a written acknowledgment from the organization.
Understanding California’s Tax System offers more insights on how California aligns with or diverges from federal rules.
Business Expenses Under $75: A Gray Area That
Works
The “Under $75 Rule” Explained
The IRS doesn’t require a receipt for business expenses under $75 — which includes things like:
Parking fees
Toll charges
Small meals
Office supplies
You’ll still need to note the time, place, amount, and business purpose in a log. For example: “Lunch with supplier at Joe’s Deli, Gilroy, $24. Business discussion of Q1 inventory.”
Best Practices to Prove It Without Receipts
To protect yourself, use a daily expense tracker and always:
Log entries right after purchase
Keep matching credit or debit card statements
Snap a photo of the item or receipt when possible
For ongoing help, our bookkeeping service can organize this kind of documentation automatically.
Retirement Contributions, Loan Interest, and More
Tax Forms Are Proof Enough
Some deductions don’t require receipts because financial institutions already provide the documentation. These include:
IRA or HSA contributions
Student loan interest
401(k) plan contributions
Mortgage interest (via Form 1098)
These appear on tax forms like 1099, 1098, or W-2s and are automatically shared with the IRS.
What If You’re Missing Your Tax Forms?
You can usually retrieve missing documents by:
Logging into your bank or brokerage account
Calling your loan provider or HR department
Using the IRS Get Transcript tool
Having trouble? That’s exactly when a Tax Accountant in San Martin becomes your best ally.
Self-Employment and Freelance Tax Deductions
What You Can Deduct Without Receipts
Self-employed individuals can deduct certain expenses without needing receipts for everything, including:
50% of self-employment tax
Home office deduction (using simplified method)
Cell phone and internet portion used for business
Business-related mileage
Even recurring tools like Zoom or Dropbox can be claimed as deductions if you have bank statements or invoices.
Use Tech to Track Expenses Smartly
Using tools like QuickBooks Self-Employed, FreshBooks, or Everlance helps you:
Digitally store receipts
Sync transactions
Categorize expenses automatically
Our tax preparation services can help you integrate these tools for accurate reporting year-round.
Alternative Proof the IRS Accepts
When receipts are missing, here are alternative forms of documentation the IRS will accept:
Credit card or bank statements
Cancelled checks
Invoices or email confirmations
Digital records from expense apps
Mileage logs (digital or paper)
Photos with time/date stamps
We provide a free downloadable PDF checklist to help you gather these items before filing.
Need more personalized help? Get in touch with us to set up a custom filing plan.
What deductions can I claim without receipts? California & South Bay Angle: What Local Taxpayers Should Know
California’s Franchise Tax Board generally aligns with federal standards, but enforcement can vary. Business use of vehicles, home utilities, and charitable donations are more frequently audited in high-income areas like San Jose or Los Gatos.
If you operate in the South Bay, keep especially clean logs and consult a local tax professional familiar with the regional nuances.
When You Absolutely Need a Receipt (and Why)
Receipts are always required for:
Equipment purchases over $75
Hotel stays
Travel airfare
Meals with entertainment
Charitable donations over $250
Even if the deduction is valid, missing documentation can trigger an audit — and lead to disallowed deductions. Bookkeeping services near you can make sure your documentation is airtight.
How a Tax Pro Can Maximize Your Deductions (Even Without Receipts)
Tax professionals don’t need receipts for every deduction — they know how to use alternative proof, estimate safe deductions, and communicate with the IRS effectively.
For example:
A gig worker deducts 9,000 miles after syncing with an app
A self-employed tutor uses the simplified home office method to deduct $1,500
A volunteer claims $700 in donation mileage from event calendars and emails
With a pro on your side, you’re not guessing — you’re saving. Schedule a consultation to maximize your refund this season.
Conclusion: Claim Wisely, File Confidently with KY Tax Service & Bookkeeping
Losing receipts isn’t the end of the world. From mileage logs to digital bank statements, the IRS accepts a variety of proof as long as you’re organized. Knowing your options helps you claim everything you're entitled to — without risking penalties.
And if you're unsure where to begin, KY Tax Service & Bookkeeping is here to help. We'll work with you to uncover every legal deduction, organize your finances, and file your taxes with confidence. Whether you're a freelancer, a small business owner, or a busy parent managing side gigs, we’ve got your back.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What tax deductions can I claim without receipts?
Common ones include mileage, home office (simplified method), charitable donations under $250, business expenses under $75, and portions of phone/internet used for work.
How much can I deduct without receipts for meals or travel?
Up to $75 per expense is allowed without a receipt, but you still need a written log with the time, place, amount, and business purpose.
Can I deduct home office expenses without utility bills?
Yes, using the simplified method, you can deduct $5 per square foot up to 300 sq ft. No utility documentation is needed.
What’s the best way to track mileage for taxes?
Use apps like Everlance, MileIQ, or Driversnote. These generate IRS-compliant logs that eliminate the need for fuel receipts.
What happens if I get audited and don’t have receipts?
If you can’t provide alternative documentation like logs or bank statements, the deduction may be disallowed. That’s why organized backup is essential.
Are Venmo or Zelle transactions acceptable for deduction proof?
Yes, digital payment platforms can serve as acceptable documentation if they clearly show the business purpose and amount.
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