Store your previous tax returns

Just as it’s important to prepare this year’s taxes by gathering the necessary documents throughout the year, it’s also important to have last year’s tax documents readily available. For most taxpayers, this year’s and last year’s taxes are pretty similar. Referencing older documents can help you confirm specific numbers and see what documents are required.  Alongside this year’s tax documents, keep a secure but easy-to-find folder with tax records for the past three to seven years. The IRS suggests different timelines for different documents, and the same is likely true for tax offices around the world, so be sure to check the rules in your country to confirm.