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CountAllVotes

(21,785 posts)
2. from thebalance.com ...
Fri Jan 12, 2018, 02:47 PM
Jan 2018

How Long Is Long Enough?

Generally speaking, tax returns and related documents should be retained for at least as long as the IRS or a state taxing authority is permitted to audit that return. This period of time is referred to as the statute of limitations. It's three years from the date the tax return was actually filed for federal returns, or three years from the April 15 deadline if the return was filed before the deadline.

Each state has its own statute of limitations on audits. Many states follow the federal time period of three years, but others have longer time periods.

For example, Montana has a five year time period for audits.

https://www.thebalance.com/how-long-to-keep-tax-returns-3973943

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That said, I have mine going back to the mid-1980s. They are all in the same place, one huge envelope.





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I've always been told 7 years is enough. The Velveteen Ocelot Jan 2018 #1
from thebalance.com ... CountAllVotes Jan 2018 #2
Seven years PJMcK Jan 2018 #3
It is required to keep them from three to seven years, Yonnie3 Jan 2018 #4
Here a "b" to replace that "d." I will write it off. rzemanfl Jan 2018 #5
Dern bifocals Yonnie3 Jan 2018 #6
I learned this week I have a fast growing cataract. Getting older sucks. n/t rzemanfl Jan 2018 #7
Boo Yonnie3 Jan 2018 #8
Spouse had a doctor - now retired - who once said: when you reach 70 question everything Jan 2018 #9
I hit the big 70 last August. I celebrated by swimming a mile a day each day for ten days. rzemanfl Jan 2018 #12
Cataracts were the best thing that ever happened to my eyes. PoindexterOglethorpe Jan 2018 #14
I'm glad that worked out for you. I did not wear prescription glasses until after I went on rzemanfl Jan 2018 #15
You are very fortunate that you never needed prescription glasses. PoindexterOglethorpe Jan 2018 #16
I understand they don't recommend surgery until your vision can't be corrected to 20/50. rzemanfl Jan 2018 #17
The surgery recommendation, as I understand it, is based on PoindexterOglethorpe Jan 2018 #18
Thanks, and to keep with the thread I retain tax records seven years. rzemanfl Jan 2018 #19
Thanks. Yes, supported documents were shredded long time ago question everything Jan 2018 #10
I have them back to 1977. sinkingfeeling Jan 2018 #11
It depends -- basis of property? As long as you own it. Form 8606? Until death do you part progree Jan 2018 #13
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