The short answer
Keep most tax records for at least three years from the date you filed. Keep them longer in a few cases, and keep records for property you own, like a home or investments, until several years after you sell it.
Last reviewed: October 2026
The general rules
- 3 years: most returns and the records behind them.
- 6 years: if you left out income of more than 25% of what you reported.
- 7 years: if you claimed a loss from worthless securities or a bad debt.
- 4 years: payroll records, if you have employees.
- No limit: years you didn't file, or a fraudulent return.
Keep these longer
- Home purchase and improvement records, until at least three years after you file the return for the year you sell.
- Investment purchase records, so you can prove your cost when you sell.
- Copies of your filed returns. Many people keep these for good.
Lost something? Your IRS transcripts show much of what's on file. See How do I get my IRS transcript?
Official source: IRS: How long should I keep records?.
More Tax Answers
See all of our plain-English tax answers, or book Free Tax Office Hours to ask your own question.
Disclaimer: This page is general information, not tax advice. Every situation is different, and tax rules change. Reading this page doesn't make you a client.