How far back do preparers have to keep client tax returns?

[PhoebeRoberts · Accepted solution]

You're not required by the IRS to keep a copy of the actual return at all. You have to maintain, for 3 years from date of filing, a record of taxpayer name, SSN, and type of form (1040 / 1120 / 1065 / etc) prepared.

You might find it prudent to keep more. But you don't *have* to.

[simplicity]

Thank You

[TaxMonkey]

I have never discarded one yet.  Paper records are scanned and moved to storage.

[taxes96786]

I put them on USB drives.  I do compliance work so need them at least 10 years back. Like TaxMonkey I actually have them going back to 1994 including all PS program installs and updates back to 1996.

[simplicity]

The original questions the IRS law of how long should tax returns be kept legally. of course most preparers as I keep them for a long period.

[Accountant-Man]

I used to keep a paper copy, back to 1993. Then we scanned them all, and only keep PDF copies since 2004.