How long should I retain prior year returns etc.?

[AlanT · Accepted solution]

You should retain your tax returns for a minimum of 3 years.  In most cases, the IRS has three years to examine your federal tax return, so you should keep your federal tax records along with any supporting documentation (like receipts or appraisals) for at least that long. Four years is even better.

The IRS details some exceptions to the general rule.

Many states follow the IRS's lead, but not all (for example, California can audit back four years). To be safe, we recommend visiting your state's website or contacting them for specifics.