ScanLens / Blog

Practical writing on scanning, paper, and privacy.

Guides and essays by the team building the ScanLens document scanner for iPhone. No fluff, no affiliate lists — just the thinking behind the product.

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10 articles
01

Are Digital Receipts Accepted by the IRS? A 2026 Guide.

The legal basis for scanned receipts in the United States, what qualifies as adequate records, and how long you actually need to keep them.

02

Which Documents Should You Keep as Paper Originals?

Going paperless doesn't mean shredding everything. A practical list of what actually needs ink-and-paper originals and why.

03

iPhone Scanner vs Flatbed Scanner: When to Use Each.

Phone scanners have replaced flatbeds for most use cases. But not all. When a dedicated scanner still wins, and when your iPhone is better than anything on your desk.

04

How to Organize Digital Documents: A System That Actually Works.

Folder structures, naming conventions, and a filing system you can explain in one paragraph — the kind that still makes sense five years from now.

05

Tax Season Receipt Scanning: The Complete Workflow.

The year-round workflow that turns tax prep from a weekend project into a 15-minute export. What to scan, when to scan, and how to hand it to your accountant.

06

Is CamScanner Safe? What You Should Know About Privacy.

The 2019 malware incident, Chinese data jurisdiction, and what to consider when choosing a document scanner app.

07

Are E-Signatures Legally Binding? What the Law Actually Says.

The ESIGN Act, UETA, eIDAS, and what types of documents still need a pen-and-ink signature.

08

How to Digitize Old Photos with Your iPhone.

When phone scanning is good enough for family photos, when a flatbed wins, and how to organize the results.

09

Common Tax Deductions for Self-Employed Workers in 2026.

Thirteen deduction categories from home office to business meals, with receipt requirements for each.

10

How to Set Up a Paperless Home Office in 2026.

The equipment, workflow, filing system, and backup strategy for going fully paperless — a practical setup guide.