How many years back can the IRS go?

Answer by  Att4372 (1704)

Depends what they are going back for. Normal audit is 3 years from the later of date filed or date due. If you file 3 years late, they still have 3 years to look at it. Fraud is 7 years. Failure to file is an ongoing condition with no time limit.

Answer by  Ali41 (1593)

By default, the IRS can go back about seven years. However, if you have intentially comitted a fraud, the IRS has the power to go back further.

Answer by  patti (29325)

The IRS can audit as many years as it feels necessary to reconcile tax filings. If there is a lot of questionable activity in one year, others will be examined.

Answer by  slkunz2003yahoocom (836)

Generally you should keep all tax records and returns, receipts and proof of information on those returns for at least three years.