How long do I keep my IRS tax records: recordkeeping

August 24, 2010
Written by: steve

Fresh Start Tax is one of the finest tax resolution companies in the business today. Call us today at 1-866-700-1040 or find us on the web at www.freshstarttax.com. We are also available for video conferencing as well.
Here are some free tax tips for you.
You may not be thinking about your tax return right now but maintaining good records now can make filing your return a lot easier and it will help you remember transactions you made during the year.
Here are a few things the IRS wants you to know about record keeping.
Keeping well-organized records also ensures you can answer questions if your return is selected for examination or prepare a response if you receive an IRS notice. In most cases, the IRS does not require you to keep records in any special manner. Generally speaking, you should keep any and all documents that may have an impact on your federal tax return.
Individual taxpayers should usually keep the following records supporting items on their tax returns for at least three years:
Bills
Credit card and other receipts
Invoices
Mileage logs
Canceled, imaged or substitute checks or any other proof of payment
Any other records to support deductions or credits you claim on your return
You should normally keep records relating to property until at least three years after you sell or otherwise dispose of the property. Examples include:
A home purchase or improvement
Stocks and other investments
Individual Retirement Arrangement transactions
Rental property records
If you are a small business owner, you must keep all your employment tax records for at least four years after the tax becomes due or is paid, whichever is later. Examples of important documents business owners should keep Include:
Gross receipts: Cash register tapes, bank deposit slips, receipt books, invoices, credit card charge slips and Forms 1099-MISC
Proof of purchases: Canceled checks, cash register tape receipts, credit card sales slips and invoices
Expense documents: Canceled checks, cash register tapes, account statements, credit card sales slips, invoices and petty cash slips for small cash payments
Documents to verify your assets: Purchase and sales invoices, real estate closing statements and canceled checks
For more information about record keeping, check out IRS Publications 552, Record keeping for Individuals, 583, Starting a Business and Keeping Records, and Publication 463, Travel, Entertainment, Gift, and Car Expenses.
For tax return preparation call 1-866-700-1040    www.freshstarttax

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