- June 8, 2017
Now it’s time to get some air, as the tax filing deadline has passed away. But before making your tax file papers fly in the air note how long you need to keep those papers safe. It is not just filing your tax return and submitting it before the due date. You must keep the documents safe for future reference if needed. Keep the tax information, documentation, and copy of your tax return without fail.
3-Year Limitation by IRS:
Tax documents such as the copy of filed tax returns, W2s, 1099, logs for mileage, receipts, and other Part of Works that support your tax return credits or deductions must be stored for a particular period. According to the limitations outlined by IRS, you must keep your tax papers at least for 3 years from the date you filed your tax return. For instance, if you have filed your personal tax return this year by April 18, 2017, for the tax year 2016 then you must keep the documents until April 15, 2020.
For Retirement Accounts:
Unlike other cases, when dealing with retirement accounts you must keep the data for about seven years after which the funds have been withdrawn completely. Tax records that include dealing with a property like stocks or equipment must be kept until 3 years which runs out on the fiscal year and the tax is claimed. If more than 25% of the income is neglected from the tax return, IRS may impose an additional tax even after 6 years. In the worst case, if you have missed or filed a fraudulent tax return then you must keep all your records forever.
Backup or Dispose of Procedures:
There are two sets of people who store all their papers safely for years, on another handsome dispose of all waste on time. But in recent times with advanced technology, you are able to store all your data on your system conveniently. All you need is strong security software in order to keep hackers away from intruding on your personal data.
When you want to trash your tax documents, shredding is advised. Once the papers are shredded throw them away in different trash cans which ensures safe disposal. Whether you back up or trash your data, it should be made safe and secure as those papers contain information about your financial status.
