Common Questions

 


triangle  NeatReceipts, NeatDesk, NeatWorks software 


triangle  NeatReciepts for Mac


triangle  NeatScan To Office


triangle  Certified Refurbished Product


triangle  What, Why, and How


triangle  Receipts


triangle  Technology/Compatibility


triangle  Shipping


triangle  Taxes


triangle  Personal & Business


 

 NeatReceipts, NeatDesk, and NeatWorks software 

 What is NeatWorks 4.0?

NeatWorks is the new name for our software application formerly known as NeatReceipts Professional 3.0.  NeatWorks 4.0 is the software upgrade from NeatReceipts Professional 3.0.  NeatWorks is the software that powers NeatReceipts (mobile scanner) and NeatDesk (ADF scanner). 

Why did you change the name of the software?

Many of our customers have been asking for a faster scanner.  With the introduction of our ADF desktop scanner you now have two great scanning solutions – a mobile scanner and a desktop ADF scanner.  We created one software application that works with both scanners to give you the ultimate convenience and integration.  Think of it like you would iPod and iTunes – several hardware choices integrated with one software application.  We also created several new features and made significant improvements to the user interface, so like your favorite reality TV home makeover, it’s familiar but dramatically better and deserved a name change.

What's new and improved in NeatWorks 4.0:

NEW user interface – our new interface streamlines and improves workflow by making it faster to scan, organize, file and search receipts, business cards and documents

NEW Quick Scan Center – a batch-type scanning function that launches from your system tray allowing you to scan anytime. You no longer need to launch NeatWorks software to digitize your paper.

NEW Inbox – after your scan, everything will be waiting for you in the new NeatWorks Inbox where you can verify, update, add notes and file when you’re ready.

NEW Archive Feature – let’s you save and store last year’s data and receipts so your most relevant data is at the forefront and quickly accessible.

NEW Filmstrip View: The Filmstrip is used for viewing multi-image items in the image viewer of each organizer. If an item includes multiple images, the filmstrip displays at the bottom of the image viewer, allowing you to quickly scan through pages.

NEW PDF workflow - makes scanning to PDF faster and easier and the image quality of PDF scans has been

NEW PDF Import – ability to import PDF files into NeatWorks.

What are NeatReceipts and NeatDesk?

NeatReceipts is the bundled solution comprised of NeatWorks software and the Neat mobile scanner.  NeatDesk is the bundled solution comprised of NeatWorks software and the Neat ADF scanner (high speed desktop scanner).

Can I use NeatWorks with my existing NeatReceipts scanner?

 Yes, NeatWorks is compatible with the silver mobile scanner.  NeatWorks 4.0 is essentially the software upgrade from NeatReceipts Professional 3.0 It is also compatible with the new white mobile scanner, as well as the new Neat ADF scanner.  

How is the ADF scanner different from the mobile scanner?

The Neat ADF scanner is an automatic document feed scanner.  Unlike the mobile scanner, it allows multiple pages to be scanned sequentially without the need to place each individual page in the scanner.  It’s a faster way to scan documents.  Our patented design and patent-pending technology provides the ability to scan up to 10 receipts, 10 business cards and 10 documents simultaneously, or up to 50 documents with the paper input tray removed.  Plus, it will scan both sides of a document, sometimes referred to as duplex scanning.

What software is the Neat ADF Scanner compatible with?

The Neat ADF Scanner is compatible with NeatWorks 4.0.  It is not compatible with previous versions of NeatReceipts Professional software.  For additional information on Neat Software and Hardware compatibility, please see the Scanner compatibility chart.

Can I use NeatWorks 4.0 with both the Neat Mobile Scanner and the Neat ADF Scanner on the same computer?

Yes

What is the cost to upgrade to NeatWorks 4.0?

The NeatWorks upgrade is available for $29.95. NeatWorks 4.0 is the software upgrade from NeatReceipts Professional 3.0 and is compatible with the silver mobile scanner.

Why do you charge for software upgrades?

At The Neat Company, software updates are generally free and software upgrades typically involve a nominal fee.  This enables us to continuously deliver high quality software with new capabilities and functionality to you, year after year.  .  We will typically release an annual software Upgrade.  Updates to our software applications are released during the course of the year and we refer to these updates as Service Packs.  Generally, updates are provided to you free of charge. 

What is the difference between a software update and upgrade?

Software update refers to a new software release that occurs within a numerical platform.  For example, 3.0 is a platform and 3.0 Service Pack 1 refers to an update within the platform.  Software updates generally include bug fixes and enhancements to features in the current numerical platform.  Updates are typically free of charge. Software upgrade refers to a new software release that requires a new numerical platform or naming system.  For example, Version 4 is a software upgrade from Version 3.  Software upgrades generally include a set of new features and/or functionality that did not exist in the previous version.  Upgrades typically involve a nominal fee.

What versions of NeatReceipts can I upgrade from?

You can upgrade from NeatReceipts Professional Version 2.1 and higher.

If you are using an earlier version of NeatReceipts please contact Jenn at jchoi@neatreceipts.com

If you are currently running NeatReceipts Enterprise, please contact Giulia at gumile@neatreceipts.com

Do I have to upgrade to NeatWorks 4.0?

No, it is an optional upgrade.  We support NeatReceipts Version 2.75 and higher.  If you are using an older version of NeatReceipts and do not need support, you can continue to use the software as you have been.  However, if you need technical support (phone or online), you will need to update or upgrade to a supported version of NeatReceipts or NeatWorks. 

Why are you changing the company name?

Since 2003, NeatReceipts has been synonymous with digitizing and organizing receipts. And over the past five years, we’ve listened to what you want and spent a lot of time developing new capabilities and new ways of doing things – stuff you asked for. We’ve added business card scanning, document scanning, Tax Reports, integrated our scanning technology into other applications and even developed software for the Mac platform, built from the ground to look and feel like a true Mac app.  We have completely remade our product line, creating new scanner designs and new software built to deliver the more than just receipt scanning: we’re helping you build an organized, digital life.On October 1, 2008, the company known as NeatReceipts will become The Neat Company. NeatReceipts (the product) will remain as the best-selling receipt scanning solution on the market. NeatDesk will greatly improve your ability to become paper-free (or at least paper – less).  NeatWorks software (formerly known as NeatReceipts Professional software) will power our mobile and desktop solutions: NeatReceipts and NeatDesk.  And, there’s more to come.

With your help, The Neat Company will continue to innovate and improve.

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NeatReceipts for Mac 

What is an Advance Release?

The NeatReceipts for Mac Advance Release (version 1.1) offers some unique features only available on the Mac platform but it does not yet have all the features that exist in the PC  product (version 4.0) such as a business card and tax module or exporting to financial software.      There will be a NeatReceipts for Mac version 2.0 software released in early 2009 which will more closely match the feature set in the PC version.  All customers who purchase the Mac Advance Release will receive a free and automatic upgrade to version 2 when it becomes available.   

Is NeatReceipts for Mac different than the PC version?

Yes. NeatReceipts 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. NeatReceipts 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.

 

NeatReceipts 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 NeatReceipts.  All customers who purchase the Advance Release will receive a FREE upgrade to Version 2 when it becomes available.

If I'm a current NeatReceipts user, can I migrate data from the Windows version to the Mac version?

Yes. A downloadable migration tool is available that will enable you to migrate images and core fields from the Receipt and Document Organizers.  You can download the migration tool from www.neatreceipts.com/macsoftware.

 

If I currently own NeatReceipts, do l I have to pay for the Mac software version?

No, if you are a current NeatReceipts user, we will provide you with the Advance Release software at no additional cost. Information and details on how to obtain the free software is available at www.neatreceipts.com/macsoftware.  Additionally, you will be able to use NeatReceipts for Mac with the current NeatReceipts scanner you own.

What operating systems is NeatReceipts for Mac compatible with?

Mac OS X 10.4.11 and above.

If I currently own NeatReceipts, can I purchase the new white scanner? 

The silver NeatReceipts scanner you currently own is compatible with NeatReceipts 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.

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NeatScan To Office

What is NeatScan To Office?

NeatScan To Office is a mobile scanner and software solution that adds the power of scanning to Microsoft® Office including Excel®, Outlook®, Word, and PowerPoint® by installing a scanning toolbar in each application.  The application transforms receipts into Excel expense reports, business cards into Outlook contacts, text and images into Word documents and PowerPoint presentations.  Plus, it creates searchable PDFs from any Office application with the Scan To PDF feature.

What are the key benefits and features of NeatScan To Office?

 

NeatScan To Office is the shortcut from paper to productivity. Our unique parsing technology recognizes and activates the information trapped in printed documents, sending it directly into Microsoft® Office applications. 

 

Scan to Excel

  • Includes several Neat Sheets – intelligent templates that allow you to scan receipt data directly into an expense report
  • Automatically reads and captures vendor, date, total, sales tax and payment type
  • Customize expense report templates with your business and personal information

Scan to Outlook

  • Scan business cards directly into contacts
  • Automatically capture contact information and image of card
  • Scan and attach PDF documents to emails
  • Scan documents into calendar entries, notes and tasks

Scan to Word

  • Transform printed documents into Word files
  • Edit scanned documents

Scan to PowerPoint

  • Scan color images and text into presentation slides

Scan to PDF

  • Create searchable PDF files from any application

 

Which versions of Microsoft Office is NeatScan To Office compatible with?

 

NeatScan To Office is compatible with Microsoft Office 2003 and 2007. 

 

Can NeatReceipts and NeatScan To Office be installed on the same computer?

 

Yes. NeatReceipts and NeatScan To Office are two separate applications and can be run side by side.  However, if the two applications will be installed side by side, you must be running NeatReceipts Version 3 Service Pack 1 (or higher).

 

Where do the NeatScan To Office toolbars appear?

 

In Microsoft Office 2003, the NeatScan To Office toolbar will appear in the top left.  Below is an example of the toolbar in Microsoft Word 2003.

   

In Microsoft Office 2007, the NeatScan To Office toolbar will appear in the Add-Ins Tab.  Below is an example of the toolbar in Microsoft Word 2007.

    

What is a Neat Sheet?

 

Neat Sheets are intelligent templates that allow you to scan receipt data and images directly into an expense report. Receipt data, such as date, vendor, sales tax and total is automatically placed in the appropriate fields. You can access a Neat Sheet by clicking the "Open Neat Sheet" button on the NeatScan to Office toolbar in Excel.

 

Which scanners is NeatScan To Office compatible with?

 

NeatScan To Office is compatible with both the silver and white Neat mobile scanners.  It is not yet compatible with the Neat ADF scanner.

 

System Requirements

  • Microsoft® Windows® XP or Vista® (64 bit is not currently supported)
  • Pentium IV 1.3 GHz or later
  • 1 GB RAM (2 GB recommended with Windows® Vista®)
  • 100 MB hard disk space to install
  • CD-ROM drive
  • Available USB port

Software Specifications

  • Works with Microsoft® Office 2003 and Office 2007
  • Microsoft Office is required to be installed prior to installing this product
  • Directly integrates as an application plug-in to Outlook®, Excel®, Word, and PowerPoint®
  • Users must have permission to install plug-ins
  • Scans in grayscale and color
  • Reads U.S. and Canadian receipts and business cards

 


 

Certified Refurbished Product

What is a Certified Refurbished Product?

NeatReceipts 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 NeatReceipts in accordance with published return policies.

All NeatReceipts 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 NeatReceipts software ships with the refurbished product? 

A NeatReceipts Certified Refurbished unit comes with a previously owned scanner and version 3 software, which can be upgraded to Version 4 for $29.95.

What is the price for refurbished NeatReceipts?

Certified Refurbished NeatReceipts are priced at $99.95 (+ shipping). If you would like to purchase the upgrade to NeatWorks 4.0, you can do so for $29.95.

 What is the Return Policy and Warranty for refurbished products? 

All Certified Refurbished Products are covered by The Neat Company’s 30-Day Return Policy and 1-Year Limited Warranty.

 

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What, Why & How

 

What is NeatReceipts?

NeatReceipts is a mobile scanner and digital filing system that enables you to scan receipts, business cards and documents so you can organize, store and secure all your important information.  NeatReceipts includes NeatWorks 4.0, our patented software that identifies and extracts the important information—and automatically organizes it for you.  Transform receipts into expense reports, business cards into address book contacts and create searchable PDF files from any document.  Export information to PDF, Excel®, Quicken®, QuickBooks®, TurboTax® and more.

How do I use NeatReceipts?

Simply scan your receipts, business cards and documents. NeatWorks software will automatically crop, rotate, resize and sort the item by type.  Our patented software reads key information from receipts, such as date, vendor and amount and contact information from business cards and all you have to do is verify, edit and file.  All images and data are stored in a searchable database, so you can easily locate and run reports, when needed.

What would an expense report look like if I created one with NEAT Receipts?

  • A sample report in PDF format (160KB)
  • A sample report in XLS format (276KB)

These reports were generated by NeatWorks 4.0. Report output from older versions of the software may vary.

How effective is the parsing technology?

NeatWorks is extremely effective at reading information off receipts and business cards. In most cases where the receipt or card is in good quality, our software will be able to read all the information. In other cases, NeatWorks will learn from your behavior with a particular receipt and apply this knowledge the next time a similar receipt is scanned in.   Of course, the software may not be able to read all those faded or crinkled receipts and cards as well as you can, so the editing features will come in handy.

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Receipts 

What information does NeatWorks extract from my receipts?

NeatWorks can extract the date, amount, vendor name, and payment type, using patented technology. You can even add comments to each receipt and other information.

Is the image permanently saved with the receipt? 

Yes, once you scan in the receipt 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 NeatWorks is effectively the same as making a photocopy. We suggest retaining the hard copy in cases where a return or rebate is involved.

 

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Technology/Compatibility 

Will NeatWorks work with QuickBooks/PeachTree/Quicken/Money?

Yes, NeatWorks 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 NeatWorks software with other scanners?

NeatWorks software is optimized to work with the Neat ADF and Mobile scanners.

Is the software compatible with other software applications? 

Yes. The data in NeatWorks can be easily exported to QuickBooks, Quicken, MS Money, Excel, and any software that accepts CSV formatted input.

Will NeatWorks work with other currencies? 

No. The program 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 edited.

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Shipping 

Do you ship outside the United States?

We currently do not ship to Canada. However, we are hoping to offer shipments to Canada soon so please check back here periodically for updates.

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Taxes

How can I use NeatWorks for tax preparation?

NeatWorks software 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 and other tax forms.

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.

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Personal & Business 

I want to manage my finances at home, how can NeatWorks help me?

NeatWorks software 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 NeatWorks? 

Yes, each receipt or expense report can be marked as personal or business-related.

I have a small business, how can NeatWorks help me? 

NeatWorks 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.

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