What Tax Records Do I Need to Keep & for How Long?

[KarenL]

It’s very important to keep your own copies of tax returns, receipts, and other financial records. The general rule is (3) years from your tax filing date, but the time varies for different types of documents. For example, if you have a business or investments, you should keep all of those records for at least three (3) years past the date of sale or transfer - and related tax returns have been filed.

The good news is that it’s a digital world - which means we no longer need to have piles (or boxes) of papers in a storage closet somewhere. Keeping important tax and financial documents you might need to access later is easier than ever. The best part is nearly everything is already online or in your email - you only need to click the download button. For those lingering analog (paper) documents, your phone will do nicely - simply snap a pic and upload to the secure file management location of your choice. 

Use the resources below to help guide you on your recordkeeping journey! 

• Tax Records – The What, How, and How Long Should You Keep Them? The basic info you need to know.
• How Long To Keep Tax Returns and Records - Great advice on how long to keep your various tax documents and receipts.
• Keeping Good Tax Records - Tips from experts in the know! There are even tips if you’re a paper-only kind of person.
• The Art of Keeping Receipts for Your Taxes - More tips? Yes, please!
• Taxes Done? Find Out Which Tax Records You Should Keep - Wait - here’s a little bit more!

BONUS: 2025-2026 Tax Preparation Checklist - Be prepared and thorough (or just make sure you didn’t miss anything important). And it includes more tax info you need to keep!

If you need tax advice or have questions that aren't answered in the links above, please ask in our Taxes forum that best fits your needs!