After you file your taxes, you will have many records that may help document items on your tax return. You will need these documents should the IRS select your return for examination. Generally, this means you must keep records that support items shown on your return until the period of limitations for that return runs out.
The period of limitations is the period of time in which you can amend your return to claim a credit or refund or the IRS can assess additional tax. Returns filed before the due date are treated as being filed on the due date.
| IF you… | THEN the period is… | |
| 1 | Owe additional tax and (2), (3), and (4) do not apply to you | 3 years |
| 2 | Do not report income that you should and it is more than 25% of the gross income shown on your return | 6 years |
| 3 | File a fraudulent return | No limit |
| 4 | Do not file a return | No limit |
| 5 | File a claim for credit or refund after you filed your return | The later of 3 years or 2 years after tax was paid. |
| 6 | File a claim for a loss from worthless securities | 7 years |
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