How long should you keep your income tax records?

Keep your supporting documents for six years even when:

• you file your return electronically
• the return, form or schedule you are completing says that you do not have to attach your supporting documents to the paper version

The CRA may ask you to provide them later to support your claim. The CRA may also ask for documents other than official receipts, such as cancelled cheques or bank statements, as proof of any deduction or credit that you claimed.

Also keep a copy of your return and any related notices of assessment or reassessment.

For more information, see Information Circular IC78-10R5, Books and Records Retention/Destruction.