FigureLane vs Shoeboxed
Shoeboxed combines digital receipt management with a service for mailing paper documents to be scanned. It suits businesses that need help digitising a physical backlog, mileage tracking or receipt collection from Gmail. FigureLane suits freelancers and sole traders who already have digital files or photos and want to review them before downloading Excel or PDF accountant reports.
Decide how the paper becomes a file
Shoeboxed's Magic Envelope service accepts mailed paperwork for scanning. It also offers mobile receipt capture, mileage tracking and Gmail receipt collection. Paper processing, digital scans, envelopes, users and storage are subject to the selected plan. Check postal availability and document-return settings before sending originals.
FigureLane accepts uploaded financial PDFs, images, CSV and text files. Photograph or scan paper documents yourself, then review the extracted figures in the browser workspace. It is a useful option when getting the files together is already part of your monthly routine.
Compare the workflow
| Need | FigureLane | Shoeboxed |
|---|---|---|
| Paper receipt backlog | Upload files after you photograph or scan them | Mail-in scanning through the Magic Envelope service |
| Digital collection | Upload financial documents directly | Mobile capture, digital uploads and plan-dependent Gmail sync |
| Review and scope | Review income, expenses, business portions and matches | Receipt organisation and expense-report preparation |
| Download files | Excel workbook, CSV, PDF and ZIP with originals | CSV data and PDF expense reports in documented export instructions |
| Connected tools | Share the downloaded files yourself | Accounting connections on eligible plans |
Check the records and the handover
Ask the intended reviewer whether they need a spreadsheet, an expense report or a pack covering both income and expenses. Shoeboxed documents CSV and PDF exports. A CSV opens in spreadsheet software, but this comparison does not assume its export is the same native workbook as FigureLane's Excel report.
FigureLane keeps review choices and original files together. A matching bank balance does not resolve missing receipts or unclear transfers. Its sales invoice tool creates unpaid PDF invoices; you manually mark them paid before they contribute to report totals.
Compare ongoing use
Shoeboxed offers monthly and annual paid plans with separate digital and paper allowances. Its risk-free period is a money-back guarantee: the pricing page says the card is charged at signup and describes an exception for requested mail-in services. Read current terms rather than calling this an unconditional free trial.
FigureLane has a free sample of 10 document uploads total, with paid plans for recurring use. Choose Shoeboxed if physical scanning is the work you want handled. Choose FigureLane if you have the files and need reviewed financial reports rather than a postal scanning service.
Common questions
Will FigureLane scan receipts I send by post?
No. FigureLane reads files you upload. If mailing a paper backlog is important, review Shoeboxed's service availability, processing allowances and original-document return settings.
Does a receipt category establish its tax treatment?
No. Check the evidence and business purpose and confirm any tax decisions with your adviser. FigureLane records your categories and business portions; it does not establish deductibility.
Sources
- Shoeboxed receipt collection and reporting features
- Shoeboxed plans, allowances and guarantee terms
- Shoeboxed CSV and PDF export instructions
Linked sources provide official guidance and product details. The article's update date reflects changes to this page; check the provider’s website for current details before choosing a service. How we prepare these guides.