Many have asked for guidance on how long you should retain your personal income tax records. These records may have to be produced if IRS (or a state or local taxing authority) was to audit your return or seek to assess or collect a tax. In addition, lenders, co-op boards, or other private parties may require that you produce copies of your tax returns as a condition to lending money, approving a purchase, or otherwise doing business with you.

We hope that the following will serve as a guide in helping you determine the length of time you should hold your records. more…