when applying for a loan you may be asked for copies of your recent tax returns lenders often request tax returns as part of the loan application process to verify the financial info provided by applicants mortgage lenders commonly require tax returns to assess an individual s financial stability so they may ask for multiple years 
in the context of a rental application maintaining tax returns for several years is advisable landlords may request tax information as part of the rental application process to evaluate an applicant s financial capability and responsibility certain units especially those catering to lower income individuals may require proof of income for stipended or reduced rental rates 