8453 & 8879

[gman]

How long are tax preparers required to keep this forms in their files??

thanks

[Gene V]

How long are tax preparers required to keep this forms in their files??

thanks

Per instruction 3 years for Form 8879, probably the same for Form 8453

c Do not send Form 8879 to the IRS unless
requested to do so. Retain the completed Form
8879 for 3 years from the return due date or
IRS received date, whichever is later. Form
8879 may be retained electronically in
accordance with the recordkeeping guidelines
in Rev. Proc. 97-22, which is on page 9 of
Internal Revenue Bulletin 1997-13 at
www.irs.gov/pub/irs-irbs/irb97-13.pdf.

[gkaiseril]

From the instructions of the form;

"Important Notes for EROs

Do not send Form 8879 to the IRS unless requested to do so. Retain the completed Form 8879 for 3 years from the return due date or IRS received date, whichever is later. Form 8879 may be retained electronically in accordance with the record keeping guidelines in Rev. Proc. 97-22, which is on page 9 of Internal Revenue Bulletin 1997-13 at www.irs.gov/pub/irs-irbs/irb97-13.pdf."

From the form 8453 form instructions:

"You are not required to provide the information requested on a form that is subject to the Paperwork Reduction Act unless the form displays a valid OMB control number. Books or records relating to a form or its instructions must be retained as long as their contents may become material in the administration of any Internal Revenue law. Generally, tax returns and return information are confidential, as required by Internal Revenue Code section 6103."

Since the 8453 is sent to the IRS, I would keep a copy for my records the same as for the Form 1040.

Of course if the IRS subpoenas the return, you should keep it or a copy until the issue has been closed for 3 years.