Save or Shred – How Long to Keep Financial Documents

Most all experts recommend keeping tax-related records for seven years. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) can audit you for three years after you file your return if it suspects a good-faith error, and the IRS has six years to challenge your return if it thinks you underreported your gross income by 25 percent or more. A seven-year window should cover you if either of these scenarios fall upon you.

The next train of thought is, what exactly counts as a tax record? Tax returns are straight forward. Also, keep backup evidence for items you claim as deductions, including canceled checks and receipts for things like alimony payments, charitable contributions, mortgage interest payments and retirement plan contributions.

Keep in mind, these guidelines are all geared to complying with federal tax obligations. Check with your state tax office to learn how long you should keep your state tax records.

Certain documents should be saved longer. Information related to your home, property, investments and retirement plans should be kept indefinitely. If you dispose of an asset, be sure to keep the information for another three years.

Ron Leger is a  Massachusetts based CPA who specializes in the R&D Tax credit and taxes for businesses, individuals, trusts and tax exempt organizations.  Contact us today!