Tax Center: Record Retention Guide
Storing tax records: How long is long enough?
Federal law requires you to maintain copies of your tax returns and supporting documents for three years. Called the "three-year law", many believe they're safe if they retain their documents for three years. However, if the IRS believes you have significantly underreported your income (by 25 percent or more), or believes there may be indication of fraud, it may go back six years in an audit. To be safe, use the following guidelines:
Click here to download the Record Retention Guide as a PDF.
CAUTION!
Identity theft is a serious threat in today's world It is important to take every precaution to avoid it. Shred ALL documents containing your personal information!
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