SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/home-keep-records
How long should you keep records of home improvements?
Until 3 years after the due date of the tax return for the year you sell.
- Seven years from the date you buy
- Until 3 years after the sale-year return is due ✔
- Until the mortgage is paid off
Why: Receipts support your home's adjusted basis, which lowers taxable gain when you sell. The IRS says to keep them until three years after the return for the year of sale is due.
Huh, didn't know that: Improvements that are no longer part of the home, like carpeting you later replaced, can't be included.
Why are taxes like golf? Because you work hard on the green just to end up in the hole.
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References
Answer: Until 3 years after the sale-year return is due. Receipts support your home's adjusted basis, which lowers taxable gain when you sell. The IRS says to keep them until three years after the return for the year of sale is due.
- IRS Pub 523: Selling your home www.irs.gov/publications/p523
keep these records until 3 years after the due date for your tax return for the year in which you sold your home
Checked 2026-10-10. - IRS Pub 523: Selling your home www.irs.gov/publications/p523
you should keep records to document the property's adjusted basis
Checked 2026-10-10.
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