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plan stock purchased, rollovers, and Keogh plan deposits should be kept until 4 years after the plan assets have been withdrawn.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

Tax resources for individuals filing a federal income tax return for the first time

The Taxpayer Advocate Service shares information to help first-time filers meet their federal tax obligations. Every year brings new people […] The post Tax resources for individuals filing a...

The IRS Seeks Public Comment on Proposed Voluntary Disclosure Practice Changes – It’s a Start, But Is It Enough? Your Input Matters!

On December 22, 2025, the IRS announced proposed revisions to its Criminal Voluntary Disclosure Practice (VDP) and opened a 90-day […] The post The IRS Seeks Public Comment on Proposed Volunt...

How to Prevent a Refund Offset – and What to Do If You’re Facing Economic Hardship

If you were counting on your tax refund to pay rent, cover groceries, or catch up on bills, it can […] The post How to Prevent a Refund Offset – and What to Do If You’re Facing Economic Hards...

Create an Online Account to View your Balances, Make Payments, Get Transcripts, and More.

  TAS Tax Tip: Create an Online Account to view your balances, make payments, get transcripts, and more. Setting up […] The post Create an Online Account to View your Balances, Make Paym...

Getting Help During Tax Filing Season

Tax filing season can be difficult to navigate, but TAS has compiled a list of resources to help you make […] The post Getting Help During Tax Filing Season appeared first on Taxpayer Advocat...

Protect Yourself From Tax-Related Identity Theft: Get an Identity Protection PIN

If someone files a fraudulent tax return using your name and identifying information, resolving the issue can be time-consuming and […] The post Protect Yourself From Tax-Related Identity The...

Valuable information about child and dependent-related tax benefits

  TAS Tax Tip: Valuable information about child and dependent-related tax benefits   If you have children or other dependents, […] The post Valuable information about child and dependent...

Fixing CDP After Zuch: How Congress Can Close the IRS’s “Roadmap for Evading Tax Court Review”

When a taxpayer requests a Collection Due Process (CDP) hearing, they may want to argue that they do not owe […] The post Fixing CDP After Zuch: How Congress Can Close the IRS’s “Roadmap for ...

National Taxpayer Advocate Releases 2025 Annual Report to Congress

Every year, as the National Taxpayer Advocate, I am required to deliver an independent assessment of tax administration. In in […] The post National Taxpayer Advocate Releases 2025 Annual Rep...

The Filing Season: How to Get Assistance

NTA Blog: The Filing Season: How to Get Assistance Preparing and filing tax returns can be stressful and confusing, especially […] The post The Filing Season: How to Get Assistance appeared f...