How long the IRS wants you to keep tax returns
The IRS recommends keeping your tax returns and supporting documents for at least three years from the date you filed or the due date of the return, whichever is later. This three-year window covers most situations where the IRS might examine your return or you might need to reference your own records.
However, three years is a minimum, not a may provide that you can throw everything away after that point. The IRS can go back further if they suspect underreported income or other issues. Keeping records longer than three years protects you if questions arise later.
Key Takeaways
- The IRS recommends keeping tax returns and supporting documents for at least three years from when you filed or the return was due.
- If you underreported income by 25 percent or more, the IRS can examine your return for six years instead of three.
- Keep records related to home purchases, investments, and retirement accounts for as long as you own the asset, plus three years after you sell it.
- State tax authorities may have different record-keeping requirements than the federal IRS, so check your state's rules separately.
- Storing digital copies of tax documents is acceptable, but keep at least one backup copy in case of computer failure or data loss.
When six years is safer than three
If you reported less income than you actually earned—and the underreported amount is more than 25 percent of the gross income shown on your return—the IRS can examine your return for six years instead of three. This is sometimes called the "substantial underreporting" rule. The six-year window gives them more time to investigate.
You may not know at the time you file whether your return will trigger this rule. For this reason, many tax professionals recommend keeping records for six years as a standard practice, especially if your income situation is complex or if you're self-employed and report business income.
Records for assets you own or sell
Tax documents tied to specific assets—a house, rental property, stocks, or retirement account—need to stay longer than three years. Keep records for the entire time you own the asset, then hold onto them for at least three more years after you sell it. This matters because the IRS may ask about your cost basis (what you paid) when you report the sale, and you need proof of that original purchase price.
For a home, this means keeping the purchase documents, improvement receipts, and closing statements indefinitely while you own it. After you sell, keep the sale documents and any records of capital improvements for three years. If you inherited property or received it as a gift, the rules are different—keep those transfer documents for as long as you own the property plus three years after sale.
State tax record requirements
Your state may have its own rules separate from the federal IRS timeline. Some states follow the federal three-year standard, but others require you to keep records for longer. A few states have no specific requirement but may examine returns going back several years if they suspect fraud.
Check your state's tax authority website or contact them directly to learn their record-keeping rules. If your state requires longer retention than the IRS does, follow your state's timeline. You cannot discard records just because the federal important date has passed if your state still needs them.
What documents to actually keep
Your tax return itself is important, but the supporting documents matter more. Keep the forms and receipts that back up what you reported: W-2s and 1099s from employers and clients, receipts for deductible expenses, mortgage interest statements, charitable donation records, medical expense documentation, and investment statements showing gains or losses. If you own a business, keep invoices, expense receipts, mileage logs, and payroll records.
For major life events—marriage, divorce, inheritance, home purchase—keep the legal documents even if they are not directly tax-related. These can become important if the IRS questions your return years later. Digital copies are fine, but make sure you have a backup. A computer crash or lost external drive can destroy years of records, so consider storing copies in cloud storage or printing important documents.
What happens if you cannot find old records
If the IRS examines a return from several years ago and you no longer have the supporting documents, you are not automatically in trouble. You can reconstruct records using bank statements, credit card statements, or other evidence. The IRS understands that people lose documents over time.
However, reconstructing records takes time and effort, and you may not be able to prove everything you claimed. This is why keeping the originals is easier than trying to rebuild them later. If you are facing an audit and missing documents, a tax professional can help you gather what evidence still exists and explain the situation to the IRS.
Digital storage and backup options
Storing tax documents digitally is acceptable to the IRS as long as the copies are clear and complete. Photograph receipts with your phone, scan paper documents, or read digital statements directly from your bank or investment accounts. Make sure the image is readable—blurry photos or cut-off text may not count as proof if questioned.
Keep at least two copies of important documents in different locations. Store one set in cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive) and one on an external hard drive or printed. If your computer fails or your cloud account is hacked, you still have a backup. Label files clearly with the year and document type so you can find them quickly if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I throw away my tax return after three years?
You can, but it is safer to keep it longer. Three years is the IRS minimum for most situations, but if your return is ever examined after that point, you will want the original. Many people keep returns indefinitely because storage is cheap and losing proof is expensive.
Do I need to keep receipts if I have my bank statement?
Bank statements help, but original receipts are stronger proof. A statement shows money left your account, but a receipt shows what you bought and confirms it was a deductible expense. Keep both when possible, especially for large or unusual expenses.
What if I filed an amended return—how long do I keep that?
Keep amended returns and all supporting documents using the same timeline as your original return. If you filed an amended return two years after the original, the three-year clock starts from when you filed the amendment, not the original return date.
Does the IRS accept digital copies instead of originals?
Yes, the IRS accepts clear digital copies of documents. Scans and photographs are fine as long as they show all the information on the original and are readable. Keep at least one backup copy in case your digital files are lost.
What if I am self-employed—do I keep records longer?
Self-employed people should follow the same three-year minimum as everyone else, but consider keeping records for six years because business income is examined more often. Keep all invoices, expense receipts, and mileage logs for the full six-year period to be safe.