At minimum, you should keep tax records for as long as the IRS has the ability to audit your tax return or assess additional taxes, which generally is three years after you file your return. However, the statute of limitations extends to six years for taxpayers who understate their adjusted gross income (AGI) by more than 25%.
If you file a joint tax return with your spouse, you should be aware of your individual liability. And if youre getting divorced, you should know that there may be relief available if the IRS comes after you for certain past-due taxes.