[Alter Kaker]

Well, it all depends on whether you’re planning to get audited or sued or not. If you’re not going to get audited or sued, you don’t need to keep any taxes.

[freespirited]

I keep them for seven years but I forget why.

[1rudeboy]

Seven years, unless you get the IRS letter at 6 years and 364 days. Then, nearly forever.

[CarrotAndStick]

Not exactly an answer, but just FYI:

United States law requires all new mattresses, pillows, upholstered chairs, and similar stuffed articles to be sold with a tag, the law label, describing the fabric and filling.

The tag previously read, "Do not remove under penalty of law," which caused some consumers to believe that they could be arrested for cutting it off.

The wording has since been changed to reflect that it is legal for the consumer to remove the tag from a mattress after purchase.

[Brujo]

Well, I hope a tax attorney here on FR answers, but the last thing I remember my attorney telling me on this subject was that if the IRS suspects that you are committing fraud, they can go back to the beginning of time. No limits whatsoever.

Also, the IRS does keep copies of all of your returns, but if you get audited and the IRS says you are committing fraud, you probably want not only the returns themselves but also the supporting documentation you used when you created them.

[elkfersupper]

Until the next revolution.

[AngelesCrestHighway]

Beware those crafty bastards at the I.R.S....do you dare get ride of any records???...sorry! just another psychotic taxpayer.

[eraser2005]

How much space do the records really take?

I keep them all, and on average a whole decade still ends up less than 1” thick.

Now with electronic filing and all, I can even keep most of it on a CD. One CD will hold a life’s worth of returns and supporting documentation.

[4yearlurker]

From cradle to coffin.