Each of us needs to keep records that substantiate our tax return or other important life events for as long as they are needed. So what does this mean?
Federal tax return substantiation is generally three years from the later of the tax return filing due date OR the actual filing date.
Understand your state and local audit timelines. Often states can review tax returns after your federal return is officially closed to a potential audit.
Some items should be kept indefinitely. These include, but are not limited to, copies of your 1040 tax return, major asset purchases and sales (i.e. home mortgage, home closing documents, documentation for stock and investment transactions, major asset purchase and sale documents, insurance documentation, and birth/death/marriage certificates).
Download Alloy Silverstein’s complimentary Record Retention Guide.
Keep records of any other valuable items purchased. This includes jewelry and other collectibles.
Stock and investment companies are now required to report the cost of your investments to the IRS. So you will not need to dig around for old transaction information to prove what you paid for your investment. On the other hand, any errors on your investment statement also get sent to the IRS, so make sure the information provided is correct or it may create an audit trigger.
You may need records for non-tax related purposes. Copies of divorce decrees, records of insurance, and home sale closing paperwork are common examples of documents needed for other reasons.
Federal guidelines for record retention are generally 3 years. However, errors on your tax return for over 25% of the tax obligation require record retention of 6 years. If fraud is determined, the record holding period is indefinite.
Still have questions? We have answers! Contact an Alloy Silverstein tax advisor today.
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