Full Definition of STATUTE. 1. : a law enacted by the legislative branch of a government. 2. : an act of a corporation or of its founder intended as a permanent rule.3. : an international instrument setting up an agency and regulating its scope or authority. See statute defined for English-language learners.ull Definition of STATUTE. 1. : a law enacted by the legislative branch of a government. 2. : an act of a corporation or of its founder intended as a permanent rule. 3. : an international instrument setting up an agency and regulating its scope or authority. See statute defined for English-language learners.
The IRS generally has up to three years after the tax-filing deadline to initiate an audit, so keep your tax returns and supporting documents at least that longâin other words, after April 15 this year, hang on to returns and documents for tax years 2012 through 2014 .
Still, you'd be surprised at how much you can safely discard. Here is what you should keep and how long you should keep it. Three Years. Keep your federal and state income tax returns and related receipts and statements for at least three years. If you are audited, the IRS reserves the right to review tax returns filed during what is known as the period of limitations, which is generally the past three years from the date you filed your most recent tax returns.