how long do you have to save paperwork for irs
First, a little background on IRS rules, which informed some of our charts: 1  The IRS says you should keep tax returns and the paperwork supporting them for at least three years after you file the return â the amount of time the IRS has to audit you. 2  Check with your state about state income tax, though. Some make you keep tax records a really long time: In Ohio, itâs 10 years. The IRS can also ask for records up to six years after a filing if they suspect someone failed to report 25% or more of his gross income. And the agency never closes the door on an audit if it suspects fraud.