How long should I keep my tax records?

You should keep your tax records for six years after you file your income tax return. The IRS has three years after you file to audit you and six years to audit you if it suspects you have underreported your gross income by at least 25%. If you filed on April 15, 2010, for the 2009 tax year, keep those records until at least April 16, 2016. Also, keep in mind that although it is rare, the IRS has no time limit to audit you if fraud is suspected.