Tax records: What can you toss and what should you keep?
Generally, the IRS has three years to audit a tax return, from the later of the due date of the return or the date you file. You can also file an amended return within this time frame if you overlooked something.
Here’s what you need to know about keeping financial records involved in your tax returns.
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Federal tax records
Despite the three-year guideline, many tax advisors recommend retaining copies of your finished tax returns indefinitely to prove that you filed. Even if you don’t keep returns indefinitely, at least keep them for six years after the returns are due or filed, whichever is later.
It’s a good idea to keep the records that support items on your individual tax returns until the three-year statute of limitations runs out. Examples of supporting records include canceled checks, charitable contributions receipts, and documents showing your mortgage interest payments and retirement plan contributions. These documents may also support an amended tax return if you find you overlooked something.
So which records can you throw away today? Generally, based on the three-year rule, you’ll soon be able to throw out most records associated with your 2020 return if you filed by the due date (which was extended to May?17, 2021, due to the pandemic). Extended 2020 returns could still be vulnerable to audit until October?15, 2024.
Also, some tax issues are still subject to scrutiny after the three years. If the IRS suspects that income has been understated by 25% or more, the statute of limitations for audit rises to six years. If no return was filed or if fraud is suspected, there’s no limit of time for the IRS to launch an inquiry.
Certain records that support figures that may affect multiple years, such as carryovers of charitable deductions, should be saved until the deductions no longer have effect. Also, don’t toss out records that support deductions for bad debts or worthless securities that could result in refund claims. You have up to seven years to claim them.
If you need help navigating the tax code, please call the office at 406-480-6622 or BOOK your APPOINTMENT now!
State tax records
The previous guidelines are geared toward complying with federal tax obligations. Contact the office for information regarding your state’s statute of limitations.
Plus, states generally have the right to resolve their own issues related to federal tax returns that have been audited. So, hold on to records related to an IRS audit for a year after it’s completed.
If you need help navigating the tax code, please call the office at 406-480-6622 or BOOK your APPOINTMENT now!
Real estate records
Retain real estate records for as long as you own a property, plus three years after you dispose of it and report the transaction on your tax return. Throughout ownership, keep records of the purchase, home improvements, relevant insurance claims and refinancing documents.
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These documents help prove your adjusted basis in the home, which is needed to figure any taxable gain at the time of sale. They can also support rental property or home office deductions.
If you need help navigating the tax code, please call the office at 406-480-6622 or BOOK your APPOINTMENT now!
Investment account statements
To accurately report taxable events involving stocks and bonds, you must maintain detailed records of purchases and sales. Records should include dates, quantities, prices, dividend reinvestment and related expenses. Keep these records for as long as you own the investments plus additional time until the statute of limitations for the relevant tax returns expires.
The IRS requires you to keep copies of Forms?8606, 5498 and 1099-R until all the money is withdrawn from your IRAs. It’s even more important to retain records of all transactions relating to Roth IRAs, in case you’re ever questioned.
If you need help navigating the tax code, please call the office at 406-480-6622 or BOOK your APPOINTMENT now!
Purge with caution
Old tax records take up space and could lead to stolen identities if not properly disposed of. But purging too soon may leave you without a defense if the IRS has questions. When in doubt, hang on to records a little longer than you think is necessary. Contact the office with questions.
If you need help navigating the tax code, please call the office at 406-480-6622 or BOOK your APPOINTMENT now!
Cheers!
Jake Linville, CPA, CGMA, MBA
406-480-6622 (text, phone call and WhatsApp)
Any accounting, business or tax advice contained in this communication, including attachments and enclosures, is not intended as a thorough, in-depth analysis of specific issues, nor a substitute for a formal opinion, nor is it sufficient to avoid tax-related penalties. If desired, we would be pleased to perform the requisite research and provide you with a detailed written analysis. Such an engagement may be the subject of a separate engagement letter that would define the scope and limits of the desired consultation services.