Back to top

Blog

Click here to go back
Oct 12 2015
Record Retention Requirements

Posted in general

Dear Client,

In response to many requests of what tax records should be kept and how long, we have prepared the following list for your reference based on Federal Laws.

Income tax returns and supporting documents - Keep at least 4 years and preferable 7 if space is not critical. Once this period has elapsed, the documents can be discarded, but the returns themselves, which do not take much space,

should be retained indefinitely.

Residential property records - All escrow statements (purchase and sale) plus receipts for improvements should be kept for at least 4 years after the property is sold (including refinance papers).

Purchase receipts for stock, bonds, mutual funds - These should also be kept for at least 4 years after the asset is sold: This would include record of dividends, splits and reinvested dividends. "

Depreciation records For any rental real estate or depreciable business property you own, keep records of the property’s cost, date acquired, and schedule of depreciation claimed in previous years. This record should be kept

until 4 years after the property is disposed of.

Retirement plan contributions — Records of non—deductible lRA deposits, employer plan stock purchased, rollovers, and Keogh plan deposits should be kept until 4 years after the plan assets have been withdrawn.

 

 Personal records - Important papers such as estate and gift returns, divorce and property settlement, deeds, title insurance policies, and all trust documents should be kept in a permanent file, or perhaps safe deposit box.

Miscellaneous papers - All other documents to include bank statements, canceled checks, credit card statements, deposits slips, charitable contribution receipts, and medical bills can be discarded after 7 years.

Last Updated by Admin on 2015-10-12 09:58:48 PM

News

Section 603 of the TAS Act Could Help Taxpayers Get Refunds Faster

On January 30, 2025, Senator Mike Crapo, chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, and Senator Ron Wyden, the Committee’s ranking […] The post Section 603 of the TAS Act Could Help Taxpayers ...

The Tax Ramifications of Tying the Knot

When you get married, your tax situation changes. Your marital status as of December 31 determines your tax filing options […] The post The Tax Ramifications of Tying the Knot appeared first ...

Use the Tax Withholding Estimator and Take Action on Your Tax Withholding Now

The Taxpayer Advocate Service encourages you to use the Tax Withholding Estimator now. Who should use it and why now? […] The post Use the Tax Withholding Estimator and Take Action on Your Ta...

Rain or Shine: The IRS Must Prepare Now for Next Year’s Filing Season

On June 25, I released my mid-year Fiscal Year 2026 Objectives Report to Congress. In it, I praise the IRS […] The post Rain or Shine: The IRS Must Prepare Now for Next Year’s Filing Season a...

National Taxpayer Advocate Issues Mid-Year Report to Congress; Highlights Successful 2025 Filing Season and Challenges for 2026

National Taxpayer Advocate Erin M. Collins today released her Fiscal Year 2026 Objectives Report to Congress, highlighting a largely successful […] The post National Taxpayer Advocate Issues ...

Criminal VDP: TAS Reports a Win For Taxpayers – IRS Agrees to Remove Willfulness Checkbox on VDP Application Form

It is that time of year again – school is out and so are report cards. It is also time […] The post Criminal VDP: TAS Reports a Win For Taxpayers – IRS Agrees to Remove Willfulnes...

The IRS incorrectly recorded me as deceased – what should I do?

If IRS records incorrectly indicate that you or your spouse are deceased, this tax tip has instructions that can help […] The post The IRS incorrectly recorded me as deceased – what sho...

TAS Encourages You to Provide Comments on Transitioning to Electronic Payments by June 30

Know your rights and what to do if the IRS sends you a bill after you already paid your taxes. […] The post TAS Encourages You to Provide Comments on Transitioning to Electronic Payments by J...

Here is What You Need to Know for June

Updates as of June 5, 2025   Important Tax Dates Coming Up on June 16 There are important tax dates […] The post Here is What You Need to Know for June appeared first on Taxpayer Advocat...

Celebrating Taxpayer Advocate Service and Low Income Taxpayer Clinic Collaboration

“[Our] Low Income Taxpayer Clinic is profoundly grateful to our [local TAS office]…for their invaluable collaboration and partnership. In 2024, […] The post Celebrating Taxpayer Advocate Serv...