: You should keep copies of the actual tax returns (Form 1040) forever . рџ”’ Security Best Practices Tax files contain Social Security numbers and bank details. Encryption : Ensure the archive is password-protected.
While the standard three-year "statute of limitations" for an IRS audit has passed for 2016, there are specific reasons you should keep this file:
: Likely includes PDF returns, W-2s, 1099s, and supporting spreadsheets.
: Keep sensitive archives on an encrypted external drive rather than unencrypted cloud folders.