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 .
Length of time to keep, and why: Taxes Returns Canceled checks/receipts (alimony, charitable contributions, mortgage interest and retirement plan contributions) Records for tax deductions taken. Length of time to keep, and why: Seven years. The IRS has three years from your filing date to audit your return if it suspects good-faith errors. The three-year deadline also applies if you discover a mistake in your return and decide to file an amended return to claim a refund.