Irs how many years to file

More In File. You must file a tax return to get the money. Looking for matured savings bonds? Page Last Reviewed or Updated: Jun When does the IRS require more than the past six years to be filing compliant? For individual returns Forms , the IRS usually applies the six-year rule unless they suspect significant past liabilities in years prior to the last six years.

Most deviations from the six-year rule occur when the delinquent return investigation is assigned to a local IRS collection office i. You can get information about your account, including transcripts, from the IRS individual accounts management hotline at Business accounts should call If your return delinquency is assigned to an SFR unit, you can contact them at In urgent situations, taxpayers should consider engaging and authorizing a qualified tax professional who has a special hotline to expedite obtaining answers and getting account information for taxpayers.

Questions that require more detailed answers, of which we linked to their own pages. How far back can I get a refund on a late filed return? Can the IRS freeze a refund when I have unfiled returns? Can I go to jail if I do not file my tax return? What is the statute of limitations on late filed returns? Can I file my return after the IRS files a return for me? What penalties can the IRS assess on a late filed return?

The length of time you should keep a document depends on the action, expense, or event which the document records. Generally, you must keep your records that support an item of income, deduction or credit shown on your tax return until the period of limitations for that tax return runs out.

The period of limitations is the period of time in which you can amend your tax return to claim a credit or refund, or the IRS can assess additional tax.

The information below reflects the periods of limitations that apply to income tax returns. Unless otherwise stated, the years refer to the period after the return was filed. Returns filed before the due date are treated as filed on the due date. Note: Keep copies of your filed tax returns. They help in preparing future tax returns and making computations if you file an amended return. The following questions should be applied to each record as you decide whether to keep a document or throw it away.