Generally, the federal tax statutes of limitation are as follows: The assessment statute: The assessment statute expiration date (ASED) is the time period the IRS has to charge you additional taxes on a given tax year. The ASED is generally three years after you file the return or two years after you paid the tax, whichever is later. However, there are several exceptions. The refund statute: The refund statute expiration date (RSED) is the last day you can request a refund. You can request a refund if you filed a return within three years of the due date of the return (including extensions) or two years after you paid the tax, whichever is later. The collection statute: The collection statute expiration date (CSED) is the last day that the IRS can collect on an outstanding balance that you owe. The CSED is 10 years from the date the IRS assessed the taxes. However, there are exceptions to this rule that extend the statute of limitations. There are exceptions to each of the above general rules. Always consult with YAHNIAN LAW CORPORATION