QUESTION:
I’m big into spring cleaning this year and wondering whether I can toss my old tax returns and records.
ANSWER:
Generally, keep tax returns for at least three years from the return’s due date. The IRS can go back up to six years if your return omitted more than 25% of income. There’s no limit if fraud is proven. Also, businesses should hang on to payroll tax records for a minimum of four years after the due date for filing Form 941 for the fourth quarter of a year. Additionally, records on costs of business assets, depreciation, etc., should be retained for decades. It’s best to follow the advice of your tax professional.