Products » Common Questions
NEAT Receipts Version 3 Service Pack 1
- What is NEAT Receipts Version 3 Service Pack 1?
- Do I have to pay for Version 3 Service Pack 1?
- What versions of NEAT Receipts can I upgrade from?
- If I choose to upgrade to Version 3 Service Pack 1, what will the upgrade process involve?
- What is the difference between Version 2.8 and Version 3.0?
- Why do I need to uninstall my previous version of NEAT Receipts if I am upgrading from Version 2.x to Version 3
- What is the difference between a software update (service pack) and a software upgrade?
- Why do you charge for software upgrades?
- Do I need a new scanner if I update to Version 2.8?
- Do I have to upgrade to Version 3.0?
» What is NEAT Receipts Version 3 Service Pack 1?
NEAT Receipts Version 3 Service Pack 1 is the most recent version of NEAT Receipts. It introduces many enhancements and improvements that will enable you to work in new and more efficient ways.
2007 Tax Update
- NEAT Receipts software now supports IRS forms for the 2007 tax year including 1040, Schedules A, B, C, D, E and F, as well as forms 2106, 2441, 3903, 8829, 8839 and 8863.
- Scan and organize your receipts according to IRS tax categories. Popular categories include Charitable Donations, Medical Expenses, and Business Use of the Home.
- When preparing taxes, simply run a report that totals your spending in each category and provides both the line number on the form and the amount to fill in.
Enhanced Quicken Export and Integration
- Export receipt data into your existing Quicken checking, savings or credit card accounts.
- Track sales tax as a split for easier tax deductions.
- Take full advantage of Quicken’s own tools to avoid duplicate transactions
Enhanced QuickBooks Export and Integration
- Simplified interface – no more confusing credit and debit accounts.
- Works with the parts of QuickBooks you already know – data goes right into the check and credit card registers.
- Maintains a history of exported transactions in NEAT Receipts to avoid double entry.
Improved OCR Accuracy and Data Parsing
- Recognition of vendor, date, payment type, expense category and total amount is now better than ever.
» Do I have to pay for Version 3 Service Pack 1?
If you are currently running NEAT Receipts Version 3.0, this Service Pack (software update) is available to you at no cost. If you are currently running NEAT Receipts Version 2.x, there will be a nominal upgrade fee of $39.95 for Version 3 Service Pack 1.
» What versions of NEAT Receipts can I upgrade from?
You can upgrade from NEAT Receipts Professional Version 2.0.2 and higher.
» If I choose to upgrade to Version 3 Service Pack 1, what will the upgrade process involve?
You can purchase the upgrade by going to www.neatreceipts.com/store. You have the option to purchase the upgrade as a download or on a CD. If you purchase the download, it will be sent to you via email within 24 hours of purchase. If you choose to purchase a CD, it will be shipped to you via UPS.
Detailed instructions will be provided in the download email and on the CD. Your specific steps will depend on the current version of NEAT Receipts Professional you’re running, however, in general you will:
• Create and save a backup of your current database (if you wish to preserve existing data)
• Uninstall your current version of NEAT Receipts
• Install Version 3.0 (NOTE: installation will take 30 to 60 minutes – depending on your computer and your internet connection speed (internet speed is only applicable if you purchase the upgrade as a download)
• Restore the backup of your database
» Why do I need to uninstall my previous version of NEAT Receipts if I am upgrading from Version 2.x to Version 3?
Over the past several years we have released a number of different versions of the NEAT Receipts software. The versions of NEAT Receipts prior to the release of the 3.0 platform utilized the Microsoft SQL Server 2000 Desktop Edition (MSDE) database. With the release of Windows Vista, Microsoft announced that MSDE will not be supported on Vista. As a result, the NEAT Receipts Version 3 platform includes a major upgrade from MSDE to the Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Express Edition database. In our testing, we have found that the best upgrade process and data migration results from a clean installation of NEAT Receipts Version 3 Service Pack 1.
» What is the difference between a software update (service pack) and a software upgrade?
At NEAT Receipts, a software update (service pack) refers to a new software release that occurs within a numerical platform. For example, 2.0 is a platform and 2.5, 2.7 and 2.8 refer to updates within the platform. Software updates generally include bug fixes and enhancements to features in the current numerical platform. NEAT Receipts generally offers updates free of charge. you can use your current NEAT Receipts scanner with Version 2.8.
» Why do you charge for software upgrades?
The magic of NEAT Receipts is in the software and we devote a majority of our resources to software research and development. Our goal is to continue to expand the capabilities of NEAT Receipts by introducing new productivity enhancing features and functionality that help you work faster and more efficiently. Charging for software upgrades enables us to continue to improve and enhance our offering to you.
» Do I have to upgrade to Version 3.0?
No, it is an optional upgrade. We still support previous versions of NEAT Receipts. However, if your PC runs the Vista operating system or you plan to purchase a Vista PC, you will need to update to Version 2.8 or upgrade to Version 3.0.
NEAT Receipts for Mac
- What is an Advance Release?
- Is NEAT Receipts for Mac different than the PC version?
- If I'm a current NEAT Receipts user, will I be able to migrate data from the Windows version to the Mac version?
- If I currently own NEAT Receipts, will I have to pay for the Mac software version?
- What operating systems will NEAT Receipts for Mac be compatible with?
- If I currently own NEAT Receipts, can I purchase the new white scanner?
- Should I tell friends and colleagues about NEAT Receipts for Mac?
» What is an Advance Release?
We're calling our first Mac version (version 1.0) an Advance Release because you can only purchase it directly from NEAT Receipts, because it's the first product to ship with our new scanner design and because it does not match the PC version on a feature-for-feature basis. However, it will have some powerful features and views that have no equivalent on the Windows side. Long term, we're committed to delivering the full range of product functionality that is found in the PC version.
» Is NEAT Receipts for Mac different than the PC version?
Yes. NEAT Receipts for Mac was designed from the ground up specifically for Mac OS X - it's not just a port of the PC version to the Mac platform. NEAT Receipts for Mac was developed in Cocoa (Apple programming environment) to provide an easy to use, functional interface that looks and feels like the applications Mac owners use everyday.
NEAT Receipts for Mac does not yet match the PC version feature-for-feature but it does include new features that are available only on the Mac such as drag-and-drop functionality, Image Flow (our version of Cover Flow), Smart Collections, PDF importing and more. The Mac version does not yet have a business card or tax module and does not have exports to third-party financial software such as Quicken or QuickBooks.
We will be releasing Version 2 of the software in early 2009, which will bring the functionality more in line with the Windows version of NEAT Receipts. All customers who purchase the Advance Release will receive a FREE upgrade to Version 2 when it becomes available.
» If I'm a current NEAT Receipts user, will I be able to migrate data from the Windows version to the Mac version?
Yes. We will provide a downloadable migration tool in early June that will enable you to migrate images and core fields from the Receipt and Document Organizers.
If I currently own NEAT Receipts, will I have to pay for the Mac software version?
No, if you are a current NEAT Receipts user, we will provide you with the Advance Release software at no additional cost. Information and details on how to obtain the free software will be posted on www.neatreceipts.com/mac on May 1st. We anticipate the free software and data migration tool (ability to migrate data from the PC version to the Mac version) to be available in early June. Additionally, you will be able to use NEAT Receipts for Mac with the current NEAT Receipts scanner you own.
» What operating systems will NEAT Receipts for Mac be compatible with?
Mac OS X 10.4.11 and above.
» If I currently own NEAT Receipts, can I purchase the new white scanner?
The grey NEAT Receipts scanner you currently own is compatible with NEAT Receipts for Mac. Additionally, there is no performance difference (speed, image quality and accuracy) between the two scanners. The new scanner is only available for purchase as a bundle with purchase of the software.
» Should I tell friends and colleagues about NEAT Receipts for Mac?
YES! Please forward the email to your friends, family members and colleagues. Additionally, if they would like to receive information and updates about NEAT Receipts for Mac, please have them provide us with their contact information at www.neatreceipts.com/macinfo.
NEAT Receipts - Certified Refurbished Product
- What is a Certified Refurbished Product?
- What version of NEAT Receipts software ships with the refurbished product?
- What is the price for refurbished NEAT Receipts?
- What is the Return Policy and Warranty for refurbished products?
» What is a Certified Refurbished Product?
NEAT Receipts Certified Refurbished Products are pre-owned units that have been thoroughly cleaned, tested and evaluated to ensure full functionality. Each product undergoes hand inspection and refurbishment prior to being offered for sale. All refurbished units have been returned to NEAT Receipts in accordance with published return policies.
All NEAT Receipts Certified Refurbished Products are:
- Inspected: cleaned and tested
- Repackaged with all necessary components (software CD, cables, documentation, etc.)
- Labeled as refurbished stock and approved for resale
» What version of NEAT Receipts software ships with the refurbished product?
A NEAT Receipts Certified Refurbished unit comes with a previously owned scanner and version 2.5.5 software which can be updated for free to either 2.7.5 (Windows XP users) or 2.8 (Windows Vista users). Software upgrades to Version 3 are available for $29.95.
» What is the price for refurbished NEAT Receipts?
Certified Refurbished NEAT Receipts are priced at $139.95 (+ shipping). If someone would like to purchase the upgrade, they can do so at the reduced price of $29.95.
» What is the Return Policy and Warranty for refurbished products?
All NEAT Receipts Certified Refurbished Products are covered by NEAT Receipts 30-Day Return Policy and 1-Year Limited Warranty.
NEAT Receipts Version 2.8
» What is Version 2.8??
Version 2.8 was created to provide the NEAT Receipts user community with a free update that is compatible with the Windows Vista® operating system. As a result of the migration to Vista we converted the database from Microsoft SQL Server 2000 Desktop Edition (MSDE) to Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Express Edition (MSDE is not supported on Windows Vista). SQL Express is compatible with the Vista operating system and provides added benefits to NEAT Receipts users (e.g. larger capacity so you can store more receipts).
Version 2.8 is similar in features and functionality as Version 2.7. The difference is that Version 2.8 is compatible with the Windows Vista® operating system. You do not have to update to Version 2.8 if you are currently running NEAT Receipts on a Windows 2000 or XP computer.
» How can I get NEAT Receipts Version 2.8?
You can download Version 2.8 by going to www.neatreceipts.com/downloads. Please note that Version 2.8 is similar in features and functionality as Version 2.7. The difference is that Version 2.8 is compatible with the Windows Vista® operating system. You do not have to update to Version 2.8 if you are currently running NEAT Receipts on a Windows 2000 or XP computer.
What, Why & How
- What is NEAT Receipts?
- How do I use NEAT Receipts?
- Can I scan in any other documents?
- What would an expense report look like if I created one with NEAT Receipts?
- How effective is the SCANALIZER technology?
- Is my information private and secure?
» What is NEAT Receipts?
NEAT Receipts is a software & scanner combination that helps you digitally manage receipts. It is task-oriented and will help you electronically organize documents including: expense reports, tax preparation, expense tracking, and receipt/invoice document management.
» How do I use NEAT Receipts?
Just scan your receipts into the NEAT Receipts software. The program will automatically crop, rotate and resize the receipt image, then apply patented Optical Character Recognition (OCR) and character analysis technology to read and understand the text on the receipt.
» Can I scan in any other documents?
Yes. With the SCANALIZER you can scan any standard or legal-sized document such as grocery receipts, recipe cards, and contracts.
» What would an expense report look like if I created one with NEAT Receipts?
These reports were generated by NEAT Receipts Professional version 2.5. Report output from older versions of the software may vary.
» How effective is the SCANALIZER technology?
NEAT Receipts is extremely effective at reading information off printed receipts. In most cases where the receipt is in good quality, NEAT Receipts will be able to read all the information directly off the receipt. In other cases, NEAT Receipts will learn from your behavior with a particular receipt and apply this knowledge the next time a similar receipt is scanned in. For receipts that are old and may be faded, you can adjust the scanner setting to improve the image quality. See how NEAT Receipts extracts information from receipts.
» Is my information private and secure?
Yes. Once the receipt is scanned in, it is locked to its relevant information and the image cannot be manipulated. However, after scanning in the receipt, line item information can be changed to fix minor errors during verification.
Receipts
- What information does NEAT Receipts extract from my receipts?
- Is the image permanently saved with the receipt?
- Will stores accept digital receipts for returns or rebates?
» What information does NEAT Receipts extract from my receipts?
NEAT Receipts can extract the date, amount, vendor name, and payment type, using its patented technology. You can even add comments to each receipt and other information in relevant columns such as taxable, billable, personal, etc.
» Is the image permanently saved with the receipt?
Yes, once you scan in the receipt using the SCANALIZER and fill in the appropriate data, the image cannot be modified and is permanently attached to this information.
» Will stores accept digital receipts for returns or rebates?
Return policies vary from each store. In most cases, stores require the actual hard copy when you have to present the documents in person. In other cases, printing a copy of the receipt from NEAT Receipts is effectively the same as making a photocopy. We suggest retaining the hard copy in cases where a return or rebate is involved.
Technology / Compatibility
- Do you have Macintosh/Linux/PDA versions of the program?
- Will NEAT Receipts work with QuickBooks/PeachTree/Quicken/Money?
- Can I use the NEAT Receipts software with other scanners?
- Is the software compatible with other software applications?
- Will the SCANALIZER work with other currencies?
» Do you have Macintosh/Linux/PDA versions of the program?
No. Currently, we only support the Windows line of operating systems. However, if you would like to see a version of NEAT Receipts in another operating system, contact us.
» Will NEAT Receipts work with QuickBooks/PeachTree/Quicken/Money?
Yes, NEAT Receipts works in parallel with these programs and also helps eliminate data entry for them. After you scan in your receipts, you can export all the information into different file formats that accounting and financial packages can easily import. You can also import data from these programs if you want to compare it to your actual receipts.
» Can I use the NEAT Receipts software with other scanners?
The NEAT Receipts software is optimized to work with the NEAT Receipts scanner. While it may be possible to run the software with another TWAIN-compatible scanner, this is not encouraged or supported by NEAT Receipts Technical Support.
» Is the software compatible with other software applications?
Yes. The data contained in NEAT Receipts can be easily exported to QuickBooks, Quicken, MS Money, Excel, and any software that accepts CSV formatted input.
» Will the SCANALIZER work with other currencies?
No. The program automatically reads only US and Canadian dollars on receipts. However, the image will still be recorded and the information related to the receipt can be manually typed in.
Shipping
» Do you ship outside the United States?
No. Currently, we ship only inside of the United States.
Taxes
» How can I use NEAT Receipts for tax preparation?
NEAT Receipts can help you create detailed financial records for each expense with corresponding receipts that the IRS requires for tax time. You scan in the receipt and the software will extract the important financial information. At the end of the year, you'll be able to use the searching and reporting functions to help fill out your 1040.
» Does the IRS accept digital receipts?
Yes. According to ruling Rev. Proc. 97-22, the IRS allows one to prepare, record, transfer, index, store, preserve, retrieve, and reproduce books and records by either electronically imaging hard copy documents to an electronic storage media, or transferring computerized books and records to an electronic storage media that allows them to be viewed or reproduced without using the original program.
Personal & Business
- I want to manage my finances at home, how can NEAT Receipts help me?
- Can I separate personal and business expenses within NEAT Receipts?
- I have a small business, how can NEAT Receipts help me?
» I want to manage my finances at home, how can NEAT Receipts help me?
NEAT Receipts can help you manage the overwhelming piles of paper faced by many homeowners. You can use it to store receipts for daily expenses, utility bills, and home improvement projects. You'll never have to dread shuffling through a messy pile of receipts and you'll be able to get an idea of exactly where your money is going each month.
» Can I separate personal and business expenses within NEAT Receipts?
Yes, each receipt or expense report can be marked as personal or business-related.
» I have a small business, how can NEAT Receipts help me?
NEAT Receipts can help you streamline your expense reporting processes, reduce administrative overhead and create an easily managed recordkeeping system for use in an audit. It will save you money and clean up your desk. It's an affordable, innovative expense reporting system that can dramatically reduce costs, prevent fraud and maintain accurate records for your organization.
