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 .
Keep for seven years If you fail to report more than 25 percent of your gross income on your tax returns, the government has six years to collect the tax or start legal proceedings. So when it comes to determining how long to keep tax recordsâelectronic and paperâ we recommend seven years, just in case. Keep forever Essential records such as birth and death certificates, marriage licenses, divorce decrees, Social Security cards, and military discharge papers