Add Checkmark To Legal Massachusetts Federal Forms For Free

When can I shred tax documents? The IRS recommends keeping tax records, including W-2 and 1099 forms, for at least three years. After that time, while you might want to save your tax return, you can shred your other tax documents.

Scanning Tax Documents You'll probably take all your tax documents and stuff them into a box, drawer, or folder. That's fine, as long as you can find them quickly later when you need them. A faster and more convenient way to make sure you can find documents later is to digitize them by scanning them.

Yes you can staple or Paperclip the return together. But do not staple or Paperclip the check or payment if you owe the IRS. The IRS instructs you not to staple or clip items, on your check you are instructed to note your SS number and which return the check is for.

Use certified mail, return receipt requested, if you send your return by U.S. mail. It will provide proof that it was received. The IRS accepts deliveries from FedEx, UPS, and DHL Express. But you must use an approved class of service.

By securing them, either by staple or paper-clip it ensures the documents remain together. The only caveat to this is if you are sending in a payment with your return. IRS requests you do not staple it to your return. Every page needs to be scanned into the system for processing so ideally 1 staple is recommended.

The IRS accepts returns that are stapled or paperclipped together. However, any check or payment voucher, as well as accompanying Form 1040-V, must not be stapled or paperclipped with the rest of the return, since payments are processed separately.