You should keep copies of your tax returns, other forms, and related records for at least as long as the statute of limitations. We generally have 3 ½ years from the due date of the return or the date it was filed (whichever is later) to review Minnesota income tax returns, tax credits, and property tax refunds.

How long do you have to keep state income tax returns?

Generally, you must keep all required records and supporting documents for a period of six years from the end of the last tax year they relate to.

How long should you keep your tax records in case of an audit?

The IRS recommends keeping returns and other tax documents for three years (or two years from when you paid the tax, whichever is later.) The IRS has a statute of limitations on conducting audits and it is limited to three years.

What tax documents do I need to keep?

Three Years

• W-2 forms reporting income;
• 1099 forms showing income, capital gains, dividends and interest on investments;
• 1098 forms if you deducted mortgage interest;
• Canceled checks and receipts for charitable contributions;

What papers should I keep and for how long?

To be on the safe side, McBride says to keep all tax records for at least seven years. Keep forever. Records such as birth and death certificates, marriage licenses, divorce decrees, Social Security cards, and military discharge papers should be kept indefinitely.

What records need to be kept for 7 years?

Keep records for 7 years if you file a claim for a loss from worthless securities or bad debt deduction. Keep records for 6 years if you do not report income that you should report, and it is more than 25% of the gross income shown on your return. Keep records indefinitely if you do not file a return.

Should you shred old tax returns?

With that timeframe, California residents should keep their state tax records for at least four years. What Should I Do with My Old Tax Returns? Once you have scanned your tax documents, make sure to dispose of them in a secure manner. At the very least, shred them before throwing them in the trash.

When should old tax records be destroyed?

As a rule, keep your tax records and supporting documentation until the statute of limitations runs for filing returns or filing for refund. For most taxpayers, that means that you’ll want to keep those records for three years following the date of filing or the due date of your tax return, whichever is later.

How many years of bank statements should you keep?

Most bank statements should be kept accessible in hard copy or electronic form for one year, after which they can be shredded. Anything tax-related such as proof of charitable donations should be kept for at least three years.

How long should you keep bills before shredding?

Store 1 year: regular statements, pay stubs Keep either a digital or hard copy of the past year’s worth of your monthly bank and credit card statements. It’s a good idea to keep your digital copies stored online if you choose to go paperless.

What papers to save and what to throw away?

What Documents Can I Throw Away—and When?

• Tax Returns. Old tax documents are probably the number one category of documents we’re asked about.
• Bank Statements.
• Explanation of Benefits (EOB) Forms.
• Medical Bills.
• Utility Bills.
• Paycheck Stubs.
• Credit Card Statements.
• Wills and Estate Planning Documents.

How far back can IRS audit?

Generally, the IRS can include returns filed within the last three years in an audit. If we identify a substantial error, we may add additional years. We usually don’t go back more than the last six years. The IRS tries to audit tax returns as soon as possible after they are filed.

Do you need to keep old w2s?

If you have employees, including household employees, keep your employment tax records for at least four years after the date that payroll taxes become due or is paid, whichever is later. This should include forms W-2 and W-4, as well as related pay information including benefit forms.

What important papers should I keep?

Important papers to save forever include:

• Birth certificates.
• Social Security cards.
• Marriage certificates.
• Adoption papers.
• Death certificates.
• Passports.
• Wills and living wills.
• Powers of attorney.

How long should I keep life insurance statements?

You don’t need each and every monthly statement, but you may want to keep credit card statements that contain tax-related purchases for up to 7 years. Life insurance? Keep policy information for the life of the policy plus 3 years.

How long should you save mortgage statements?

Homeowners should keep these statements for at least three years. Although the information on these statements is a part of public record, it is always more convenient to keep a carefully filed paper copy so you can find the information at a moment’s notice.