14 June 2022 19:57

How long should I retain my tax information in Canada?

How long to keep your records. Generally, you must keep all required records and supporting documents for a period of six years from the end of the last tax year they relate to.

How many years can CRA go back to audit?

four years

Generally, CRA can only audit someone up to four years after a tax return has been filed, although, in some cases, such as cases of suspected fraud or misrepresentation, CRA can go farther back and there is no time-limit for the re-assessment.

What tax year can I throw away Canada?

You must keep your Canadian tax records for six years. You must keep your records from the end of the last tax year that you filed a Canadian tax return for. For example, if you file a tax return for the 2021 tax year, your tax records must be kept until the end of the 2027 tax year.

How long should you hold onto all over your important tax documents?

In most cases, you should plan on keeping tax returns along with any supporting documents for a period of at least three years following the date you filed or the due date of your tax return, whichever is later.

What records do you need to keep for 7 years?

You must keep the following records for 7 years:

  • minutes of board and committee meetings.
  • written communications with shareholders, including emails.
  • resolutions.
  • certificates issued by directors.
  • copies of all financial statements.
  • a record of the assets and liabilities of the company.

Should I shred my old tax returns?

While it’s not recommended, if you file your tax return and fail to report more than 25% of your gross income, wait to shred those W-2s, 1099s, and other tax forms for 6 years in case of an IRS audit.

How long should I keep tax records and bank statements?

3 TO 7 YEARS

KEEP 3 TO 7 YEARS
Knowing that, a good rule of thumb is to save any document that verifies information on your tax return—including Forms W-2 and 1099, bank and brokerage statements, tuition payments and charitable donation receipts—for three to seven years.

What records must be kept for 10 years?

You must be able to produce receipts, invoices, canceled checks or bank records that support all expense items. You should also keep sales slips, invoices or bank records to support all income items. These records should be retained for at least 10 years after they have expired.

Do I need to keep 7 years of bank statements?

Bank statements are important to verify debit and credit activity. They should be kept in hard copy or electronic form for one year. Your bank will allow you to access your statements for at least one year online (most banks keep them for five years or more!)

How long should you keep credit card statements?

According to the IRS, it generally audits returns filed within the past three years. But it usually doesn’t go back more than the past six years. Either way, it can be a good idea to keep any credit card statements with proof of deductions for six years after you file your tax return.

How long should you keep household bills?

two years

While household bills and bank statements should be kept for at least two years, and insurance documents as long as they are valid.

Should I keep utility bills?

Monthly utility/cable/phone bills: Once you know the bill is correct, toss it. But if you deduct some of these costs on your tax return, you’ll want to save them with your return (more on that in a moment). Credit card statements: If you know all the charges are correct, you probably don’t need to keep this.

What records do I need to keep and for how long?

To be on the safe side, McBride says to keep all tax records for at least seven years. Keep forever. Records such as birth and death certificates, marriage licenses, divorce decrees, Social Security cards, and military discharge papers should be kept indefinitely.

How long keep documents Canada?

six years

How long to keep your records. Generally, you must keep all required records and supporting documents for a period of six years from the end of the last tax year they relate to.

What to shred and what not to shred?

What To Shred: 8 Documents You Should Be Shredding That You Probably Aren’t

  • Junk Mail. Junk mail comes in every day. …
  • Pictures and Old IDs. …
  • Travel Itineraries. …
  • Boarding Passes. …
  • Shipping Labels. …
  • Post-it® notes. …
  • Old Bank Statements. …
  • Canceled Checks.

How long should you keep bills before shredding?

In case you require them for tax deductions, you should keep for three years. Bank statements: Statements should be reviewed every month and stored for year-end accounting purposes. Once taxes are filed, documents can be shredded and, if necessary, your financial institution should be readily available.

How long should you save mortgage statements?

Like your mortgage payment statements, you should keep any paperwork on your refinance for at least 3 years. Although, some professionals might recommend keeping it for at least 10 years.

Can I get bank statements from 10 years ago?

You can order copies of your statements beyond what is available online, up to 7 years ago. Your statement copy will be delivered online, free of charge. If you are an Online Banking customer, you can sign into Online Banking, and select Statements & Documents under the Accounts tab.

How long do we need to keep bank records?

Bank Records: 1 Year or less to up to 6 years

Hold on to any of your deposit or withdrawal receipts until you receive your monthly statements to ensure that they balance.

How long are Canadian banks required to keep records?

5 years

Retention and Disposal Standards: Paper records relating to the requests for permission to reproduce bank notes are kept for 2 years at which point they are transferred to a database and then destroyed. Database records are kept for a period of 5 years and then destroyed.

How long do I keep bank statements in Canada?

Bank, brokerage, credit card, and mortgage statements can all be filed for a year and then shredded. If you get an annual statement (for example, for your mortgage or investments), cross-check with your monthly statements before you get rid of them. Hang on to annual statements for six years.

How long should you keep pay stubs Canada?

6-7 Years

Keep For 6-7 Years
Just like businesses, it is important to keep your pay stubs until you are able to reconcile them with annual reports – that means you should keep your pay stubs for 6-7 years. It is important to keep records of your financial information, including pay stubs.

How long do you keep credit card statements Canada?

Keep for 1 Year

Monthly Credit Card Statements: Keep these for 1 year, unless you have your own business and have purchased items with your credit card, then you would keep the statement for 6 years. Monthly Mortgage Statements: Reconcile with your annual statement and then shred.