Requirements for Retaining Information for the IRS

The IRS has the following requirements for retaining 1099 information returns:

• You must retain a copy of the 1099 returns filed with the IRS, or be able to recreate the information, for three years from the reporting date.

• If the return includes backup withholding, you must retain a copy or be able to recreate the information for four years from the reporting date.

See IRS Publication 1220 for additional retention information and exceptions.