3 years
Most returns and supporting records
The general IRS period when special situations below do not apply.
Tax resources / Record retention
How long should you keep tax documents?
Three years is a common starting point, but the right period depends on the record and what happened on the return.
4 years
Employment tax records
Keep for at least four years after the tax becomes due or is paid, whichever is later.
6 years
Substantial unreported income
When income omitted from a return is more than 25% of the gross income shown.
7 years
Worthless securities or bad debt
For records supporting a claim of loss from worthless securities or a bad debt deduction.
Indefinitely
No return, a fraudulent return, or a filed gift tax return
Keep records indefinitely when a return was not filed or was fraudulent. Also keep a copy of IRS Form 709 indefinitely if filed. Form 709 is a separate return from Form 1040, even when it relates to the same tax year.
Through disposal + limitation period
Property and investments
Keep basis and improvement records until the limitation period expires for the year the property is disposed of.
A good rule of thumb
Keep the filed return itself.
The IRS recommends keeping copies of filed returns because they help with future filings, amended returns, and basis calculations. Before destroying records, also consider requirements from lenders, insurers, other agencies, or legal agreements.
Read the IRS record-retention guideLast reviewed July 15, 2026. This overview does not cover every exception. Ask us before destroying records if you are unsure.