The NeatReceipts Scanalizer could render your desktop, dresser top or kitchen counter visible again. Hurry. Scan that crumpled bit of paper into your computer before it multiplies with others of its kind.

 

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The idea is, since the IRS will accept a digital copy of your receipts (it’s true, I called the IRS info line) why keep those fading tatters around to blow on the winds of your air conditioning? Or make an accordion of your tax records folder? Let your computer keep track of your expenses, paper free.

How it Handles

The program keeps a picture of your receipt and automatically inserts scanned information into searchable fields such as vendor name, date and amount. Occasionally it will enter an incorrect figure or skip a vendor name entirely. These are easily fixed manually, but your full attention will be necessary to catch these typos.

 

You can feed the NeatReceipts Scanalizer documents up to eight-and-a-half inches wide and 30 inches long. The smaller the receipt, the faster it processes — less than a minute from receipt to recognized data in most cases.

The Scanalizer’s narrow form travels well and doesn’t hog a lot of desk space. In fact, a small stand holds it on end, where it functions perfectly well as a diminutive tower. Slip it out of the stand and lay it flat for larger receipts.

To help simplify your wires, the Scanalizer requires only one cord, the USB that connects it to your computer.

Keeping Virtual Records

The NeatReceipts Scanalizer is 90 percent software. This is, of course, the beauty of the thing, allowing you to toss the original hard copy while your computer does the filing.

However, a couple of issues come with the territory. One is that, alas, the Scanalizer is not Macintosh compatible. In fact, some PC users may be unable to use it — requirements are for Windows 2000 or XP, with Vista support coming soon.

Be prepared for a learning curve. Plan to spend a couple of hours getting to know your new filing aide. The good news is that upon installation, the Setup Instructor greets you at the door like a butler to give you a ten-dollar tour of the system. The training session allows you to make practice entries, imparting a concrete grasp of the rules. And it sports easy access for a refresher course down the road.

Customer support and forums are available online. Nice touch: the Help section is written in conversational style.

Bonuses

• The software exports your expenses to sundry money programs.
  
  
• A separate database for scanning business cards exports data to contact management programs.
  
  
• A general documents category allows you to scan and readily retrieve any odd papers, from recipes to contracts.

You Need This If:

• You itemize deductions on your tax returns.
  
  
• You submit expense reports for reimbursable business expenditures.
  
  
• You’re swimming in business cards.
  
  
• You want to keep a sharp eye on the petty cash box.
  
  
• Your budget uses cash envelopes.
  
  
• You are self-employed.
  
  
• You can’t seem to conquer paper clutter.

You Don’t Need This If:

• Your computer is not compatible.
  
  
• You can’t justify the $200 purchase price. Shopping around will likely reward you. And consider the cost in light of the benefit — your time and space are valuable. But up to a certain point, keeping receipts in envelopes in a hanging file folder still works just fine. It's just not as fun and perhaps is slower when it comes to retrieval.

Note: The reviewed version of the included software is NeatReceipts Professional 2.7.1.