Akron Income Tax Co.
An Expert Guide by
It’s generally recommended to keep your income tax returns for at least 6 years.
The IRS can audit returns filed within the last 3 years, but can extend up to 6 years if they find a substantial error.
If you commit fraud or fail to file a return, there is no statute of limitations for how long the IRS can review your records.
Some states may require you to keep records longer than the federal guideline, so check your state rules.
Keep supporting documents like receipts, bank statements, and W-2s along with your returns for the same period.
Hold onto records related to property or investments for as long as you own them, plus 3 years after selling.
You can store your returns digitally, but ensure backups are secure and easily accessible.
After the recommended period, shred or securely dispose of old returns to protect sensitive information.