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system
how long should i keep my tax documents, and why?
user
unfortunately, my taxes tend to be complicated this. in and of itself, is a greater reason to keep the documents. the other answer offered a good summary, but keep in mind, if the irs decides you fraudulently withheld claiming income, they can go back 7 years.  i bought a rental property in 1987, and sold it in 2016. in that case, keeping the returns seemed the right thing to do to have the paper trail for basis, else i could claim anything, and hope for the best.  i have all my tax returns since my first tax return, 1980. it's one drawer of a file cabinet. not too great a burden.
assistant