How long should I keep tax records?

TaxWarren TeamPublished April 25, 2026

Quick answer

The standard rule is 3 years from the filing date, that's how long the IRS has to audit a typical return. Keep 6 years if you may have under-reported income by 25%+, and 7 years for worthless-security or bad-debt claims.

Tax record retention periods by situation.

The information provided is for educational purposes only and should not be considered as personalized financial advice. Warren is a registered investment advisor. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Please consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. Read our disclaimers.

All questions

Get an answer built on your own numbers

Warren reads your accounts, then answers questions like this one with your real income, taxes and goals in mind.

Try Warren Free See a demo