IRS, How long should I keep records: 7 years for bad debts, 6 years for large omissions, indefinitely with no return or a fraudulent one (IRS, How long should I keep records? (page last reviewed 30 June 2026))
Three cases stretch the ordinary period: a bad debt or worthless securities claim (7 years), unreported income above a quarter of what the return shows (6 years), and no return or a fraudulent one (no end).
Dated 31 Oct 2026Source checked 31 Oct 2026Basis: primary text
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In the source's own words
“Keep records for 7 years if you file a claim for a loss from worthless securities or bad debt deduction. Keep records for 6 years if you do not report income that you should report, and it is more than 25% of the gross income shown on your return. Keep records indefinitely if you do not file a return. Keep records indefinitely if you file a fraudulent return.”
Where it was read
Also read from the same source
- IRS, How long should I keep records: keep tax records until the period of limitations runs out, generally 3 years (IRS, How long should I keep records? (page last reviewed 30 June 2026))
- IRS, How long should I keep records: employment tax records at least 4 years (IRS, How long should I keep records? (page last reviewed 30 June 2026))
- IRS, How long should I keep records: property records until the disposal year closes, and other purposes may need longer (IRS, How long should I keep records? (page last reviewed 30 June 2026))
Figures it counts in
It is shown on its own, not counted into a figure.
Cited in this guide