Solved: How far back do preparers have to keep client tax returns?

simplicity · ‎12-06-2019

PhoebeRoberts · ‎12-06-2019

You're not required by the IRS to keep a copy of the actual return at all. You have to maintain, for 3 years from date of filing, a record of taxpayer name, SSN, and type of form (1040 / 1120 / 1065 / etc) prepared.

You might find it prudent to keep more. But you don't *have* to.

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PhoebeRoberts · ‎12-06-2019

You're not required by the IRS to keep a copy of the actual return at all. You have to maintain, for 3 years from date of filing, a record of taxpayer name, SSN, and type of form (1040 / 1120 / 1065 / etc) prepared.

You might find it prudent to keep more. But you don't *have* to.

simplicity · ‎12-06-2019

Thank You

TaxMonkey · ‎12-06-2019

I have never discarded one yet. Paper records are scanned and moved to storage.

taxes96786 · ‎12-06-2019

I put them on USB drives. I do compliance work so need them at least 10 years back. Like TaxMonkey I actually have them going back to 1994 including all PS program installs and updates back to 1996.

simplicity · ‎12-06-2019

The original questions the IRS law of how long should tax returns be kept legally. of course most preparers as I keep them for a long period.

Accountant-Man · ‎12-06-2019

I used to keep a paper copy, back to 1993. Then we scanned them all, and only keep PDF copies since 2004.

** I'm still a champion... of the world! Even without The Lounge.

How far back do preparers have to keep client tax returns?

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