At TFX we've been doing taxes for U.S. expats for over 25 years
Expat taxes are complicated. Seriously.
Every precaution recommended by the IRS & more
Clear, transparent process. Thorough & well-thought-out
Exclusive savings for our loyal clients
Trusted by tens of thousands of clients worldwide
Which should you hire and why?
Many imitators, only one TFX. Ask the tough questions
Join a leading expat tax firm trusted by clients around the world
IRS restructuring & reform act of 1998 protects taxpayers
Easy process with an expert tax preparer
No matter where you reside — you must file US tax returns
No matter where you reside — you must file US tax returns
TFX helps non-US aliens or Green Card holders file returns
Get 6 extra months to file – quick, easy, and penalty-free
At TFX we've been doing taxes for U.S. expats for over 25 years
Expat taxes are complicated. Seriously.
Every precaution recommended by the IRS. And then some
Clear, transparent process. Thorough & well-thought-out
IRS Restructuring & reform act of 1998 protects taxpayers
Trusted by tens of thousands of clients worldwide
Which should you hire and why?
Join a leading expat tax firm trusted by clients around the world
Join a leading expat tax firm trusted by clients around the world
Many imitators, only one TFX. Ask the tough questions
Specific use cases & scenario analysis
Top notch customer service is core to TFX
We are the best at what we do and we're here to help you
Easy process with an expert tax preparer
No matter where you reside — you must file US tax returns
No matter where you reside — you must file US tax returns
TFX helps non-US aliens or Green Card holders file returns
Get 6 extra months to file – quick, easy, and penalty-free
Good recordkeeping can cut your taxes and make your financial life easier.
How long to keep records is a combination of judgment, state, and federal statutes of limitations. Since federal tax returns can generally be audited for up to three years after filing and up to six years if the IRS suspects underreported income, it is wise to keep tax records for at least seven years after a return is filed. Requirements for records kept electronically are the same as for paper records.
Record | Retention period |
---|---|
Tax returns (uncomplicated) | 7 years |
Tax returns (all others) | Permanent |
W-2s | 7 years |
1099s | 7 years |
Cancelled or substitute checks supporting tax deductions | 7 years |
Bank deposit slips | 7 years |
Bank statements | 7 years |
Charitable contribution documentation | 7 years |
Credit card statements | 7 years |
Receipts, diaries, logs pertaining to tax returns | 7 years |
Investment purchase and sales slips | Ownership period + 7 years |
Dividend reinvestment records | Ownership period + 7 years |
Year-end brokerage statements | Ownership period + 7 years |
Mutual fund annual statements | Ownership period + 7 years |
Investment property purchase documents | Ownership period + 7 years |
Home purchase documents | Ownership period + 7 years |
Home improvement receipts and cancelled checks | Ownership period + 7 years |
Home repair receipts and cancelled checks | Warranty period for item |
Retirement plan annual reports | Permanent |
IRA annual reports | Permanent |
IRA nondeductible contributions (Form 8606) | Permanent |
Insurance policies | Life of policy + 3 years (Check with your agent. Liability for prior years can vary.) |
Divorce documents | Permanent |
Loans | Term of loan + 7 years |
Estate planning documents | Permanent |