How Long Should I Keep My Tax Records?
Published November 3, 2026
Most people keep tax papers in a shoebox, and then wonder what to throw out. The answer is not one number. It depends on what the IRS could still ask about, and that is set by the period of limitations, the time the IRS has to assess more tax or you have to claim a refund.
The basic rule
The IRS says you generally must keep the records that support an item of income, deduction, or credit on your return until the period of limitations for that return runs out. The period of limitations is the time you have to claim a refund, or the time the IRS has to assess more tax. Unless the IRS says otherwise, the years run from the day after you filed the return.
For most returns, the period is 3 years. If you leave out income that is more than 25 percent of the gross income on your return, the period is 6 years. If you file a fraudulent return, or don't file at all, keep your records with no time limit. Keep records for 7 years if you claim a loss from worthless securities or a bad debt deduction, and at least 4 years for employment tax records.
When does the clock start?
The IRS says a return filed before the due date is treated as filed on the due date, which is generally April 15. So filing early does not shorten the time you need to keep records.
Worked example
Illustration only, with made-up round numbers: Nadia files her 2026 return on March 1, 2027. The return counts as filed on April 15, 2027. Under the 3-year rule, she should keep the records that support that return at least until April 15, 2030.
Her 2026 records include Forms W-2 and 1099, receipts for any deductions she claimed, and a mileage log. If she claimed a credit, she keeps the proof for that too. She also bought a home in 2018 and plans to sell it in 2031. The IRS says to keep property records until the period of limitations expires for the year you sell the property. For that home, the purchase records must stay on file until then, and the records of improvements too.
What is the most common mistake?
Two mistakes come up most. The first is throwing out property records too early. You need them to figure gain or loss when you sell. The second is keeping everything forever without a plan. A simple filing system works better. Keep the return, the supporting records for each item, and the property file, and label each folder with the year. Write the filing date on the front of the return folder, so the end date is easy to find later. If you move or change banks, keep copies of the statements that show interest, dividends, and sales.
What should I do next?
- Make one folder for each tax year, and put the return and its supporting records inside.
- Keep a separate property folder for the home, investments, and other assets. Keep it until the period ends for the year you sell.
- Put a reminder on your calendar for 3 years after your filing date, and check the 6-year rule if you think you left out income.
The IRS page on how long to keep records lists these rules. A credentialed tax preparer can help if you're not sure whether an item is covered by the 6-year rule.
If you'd like a second set of eyes on your own return, you can learn more about our appointments on our home page.
Sources: IRS, How long should I keep records? (periods of limitations, the 3, 6, and 7-year rules and the no-limit rule, employment tax records, property records, and returns filed early treated as filed on the due date). This is general information, not advice about your specific return.
Sources: Sources: IRS, How long should I keep records? (periods of limitations, the 3, 6, 7-year and indefinite rules, employment tax records, property records, and returns filed early treated as filed on the due date). This is general information, not advice about your specific return. This is general information, not advice about your specific return.
