The Receipt Problem

As a tradie, you're buying supplies, fuel, and materials constantly. Keeping track of every receipt in a shoebox doesn't cut it anymore — and it's costing you deductions at tax time.

Top Expense Tracking Apps

1. Dext (formerly Receipt Bank)

Snap a photo of your receipt and Dext automatically extracts the details and sends them to your accounting software. Used by thousands of tradies and their accountants. Around $25/month.

2. Hubdoc

Similar to Dext — scan receipts, fetch bank statements and bills automatically. Included free with Xero subscriptions. Seamless integration.

3. Expensify

Great for tradies with staff who need to submit expense claims. Automatic receipt scanning, approval workflows and credit card integration.

4. WellyBox

Connects to your email and automatically pulls receipts from your inbox. Useful if many of your suppliers send digital receipts.

5. Your Bank's App

Don't overlook your bank's native app — many now let you tag transactions, upload receipts and categorise spending. Not as powerful as dedicated tools, but free.

The Simple System That Works

  1. Snap every receipt the moment you get it (before it fades or gets lost)
  2. Have a dedicated business card for all work purchases
  3. Reconcile weekly — 15 minutes on a Friday arvo saves hours at tax time
  4. Let your accountant or bookkeeper handle the rest