Keep records for 3 years from the date you filed your original return or 2 years from the date you paid the tax, whichever is later, if you file a claim for credit or refund after you file your return. Keep records for 7 years if you file a claim for a loss from worthless securities or bad debt deduction.

How far back can state audit taxes?

Most states piggyback off the federal statute of limitations rules meaning that a three-year statute of limitations applies for those filing returns, which can be extended to six for liability understatements that exceed 25 percent.

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.

Do states ever audit tax returns?

State audits focus on state tax returns and are performed by a state’s Department of Revenue. Even though state and federal tax returns are typically prepared at the same time, it’s possible to have issues with one and not the other.

How long should you keep your tax returns before destroying them?

Typically, the IRS has 3 years after the due date of your return (or the date you file it) to initiate an audit, so you should plan to keep your tax returns and supporting documents for at least 3 years before shredding them.

Can the IRS go back more than 10 years?

As a general rule, there is a ten year statute of limitations on IRS collections. This means that the IRS can attempt to collect your unpaid taxes for up to ten years from the date they were assessed. Subject to some important exceptions, once the ten years are up, the IRS has to stop its collection efforts.

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.

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.

How do I get rid of old tax returns?

The most common way to destroy sensitive documents is to shred them. Many stores offer paper shredding at a cost to you. Some of those businesses include The UPS Store, FedEx, Staples, and Office Depot. Sometimes, your financial institution will shred them.

How long do I need to keep bank statements?

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.

Does IRS care about state taxes?

Under the State Income Tax Levy Program, the IRS can levy (take) your state tax refund to offset back taxes, addressing any tax debt you might owe. If this happens, the state will give you notice of the levy. Learn what to do if you can’t pay your taxes or if you get a notice about a tax return or account problem.

Does IRS look at state taxes?

In other words, the IRS is simply double-checking your numbers to make sure you don’t have any discrepancies in your return. Sometimes state tax authorities do audits, too. If you’re telling the truth, and the whole truth, you needn’t worry. Nothing is inherently sinister about an IRS audit or state audit.

What triggers a state audit?

Other common triggers for state audits include misreporting information, math errors, incomplete state tax returns, excessive deductions, and failing to file your state tax return on time.

Can I destroy 2013 tax returns?

That means you can now generally throw out records for the 2013 tax year if you filed the return for that year in April of 2014. Bear in mind that, in some cases, the statute of limitations extends beyond three years. And there’s no statute of limitations if you fail to file a tax return or file a fraudulent one.

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.

What records do I need to keep and for how long?

How long should you keep documents?

• Store permanently: tax returns, major financial records.
• Store 3–7 years: supporting tax documentation.
• Store 1 year: regular statements, pay stubs.
• Keep for 1 month: utility bills, deposits and withdrawal records.
• Safeguard your information.
• Guard your financial accounts.