IRS

Seven questions to consider when deciding whether to keep documents or not.

1. Keep records for 3 years if situations (4), (5), and (6) below do not apply to you.

2. Keep records for 3 years from the date you filed your original return or 2 years from the date you paid the tax, whichever is later, if you file a claim for credit or refund after you file your return.

3. Keep records for 7 years if you file a claim for a loss from worthless securities or bad debt deduction.

4. Keep records for 6 years if you do not report income that you should report, and it is more than 25% of the gross income shown on your return.

5. Keep records indefinitely if you do not file a return.

6. Keep records indefinitely if you file a fraudulent return.

7. Keep employment tax records for at least 4 years after the date that the tax becomes due or is paid, whichever is later.