How Long Should You Keep Tax Records?
The IRS says you must keep your records for as long as they may be needed for the admin- istration of any provision of the Internal Reve- nue Code, which means you must keep records of items shown on your return until the statute of limitations for that return expires. The stat- ute of limitations is the time during which you can amend your return, claim a credit, or be as- sessed additional tax by the IRS. The chart be- low, lists some general guidelines.

* A return filed early is treated as being filed on the due date.

Asset Records
Keep records of acquisition date and cost ba- sis for each business or investment asset un- til the period of limitations expires for the year in which you dispose of the asset. For example, suppose you sold a piece of business equip- ment in 2018 and you meet condition (1) above. You must then keep records of that asset until at least April 15, 2022 (three years after the due date for your 2018 tax return).

Electronic Records
Paper records take up a lot of space, and they can fade or be damaged. Many people prefer to keep electronic records instead of paper records.
All requirements that apply to hard copy records apply to electronic records, including record re- tention periods.
If you scan or otherwise transfer your tax records to an electronic format, you must be able to store, preserve, retrieve, and reproduce the records in a legible, readable format.
Remember to back up electronic records and store in a secure location.

This brochure contains general information for taxpayers and should not be relied upon as the only source of authority.
Taxpayers should seek professional tax advice for more information.
Copyright © 2021 Tax Materials, Inc.
All Rights Reserved

TAX YEAR

2021Recordkeeping for Tax Purposes

Recordkeeping for Tax Purposes

Recordkeeping for Tax Purposes
Which records should you keep? You should keep information that you and the IRS need to de- termine your correct tax. Everyone should keep the following records.
Copies of tax returns. Keep copies of your tax re- turns as part of your tax records.
Your tax returns can help you prepare future re- turns and amended returns.
After you die, copies of your tax returns and oth- er records can be helpful to your survivors or the executor or administrator of your estate.

Proof of income and expenses. Listed below are examples of income and expense documents you should keep. The list is not all inclusive.
Records for Special Situations
Some items require specific records, in addition to the basic records of income and expenses.
Alimony. If you pay or receive alimony, keep a copy of your written separation agreement or the divorce, separate maintenance, or support decree.
Business use of your home. Keep records that show which part of your home is used for busi- ness and the expenses related to that use. Child care providers should also keep track of hours open for business, as well as hours spent in preparation and clean up.
Gambling. Keep an accurate diary of winnings and losses. Required information includes:
Date and type of gambling activity.
Gambling establishment name and address, and names of persons present with you.
Amount you won or lost.
Tax credits. Each tax credit includes special re- cordkeeping requirements. Examples include:
Provider’s name, address, and taxpayer ID number for the Child and Dependent Care Credit.
Physician’s certification for the Credit for the Elderly or the Disabled.
School records for the education credits.
Vehicle records. If you use your own car for business, medical transportation, or qualifying volunteer work, keep a mileage log that includes the date, destination, and purpose of each trip. You also need to know how many miles you drove for other purposes, such as commuting and personal use. Your vehicle records should include purchase or lease papers and loan re- cords. You may receive a larger deduction if you keep records of gas purchases, maintenance costs, etc., in addition to mileage.

What is Proof of Payment?
The records you keep provide the documen- tation to support the deductions and expens- es claimed on your tax return. You must always keep documentation of the reason for the pay- ment. Other documents, such as statements and receipts, will help establish that the item is allowable on your tax return.

Account statements. Account statements from your financial institution are accept- able as proof if they provide the information shown above.
Pay statements. You may have deductible expenses withheld from your wages, such as medical insurance premiums and charitable contributions. Keep year-end or final pay statements to prove payment of these items.
Mortgage interest. Form 1098, Mortgage In- terest Statement, documents mortgage interest you paid. Be sure to verify that the amount is correct.