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Tax receipts: how long to keep them?

Not only businesses but also private individuals should keep tax documents for a time. For some receipts there are legal obligations, for others practical reasons. Anyone who keeps orderly records can provide evidence to the tax office and secure claims.

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Your chances of getting your money back

For pure private individuals there is usually no general retention obligation, but practical necessities: receipts should be kept until the assessment becomes binding and as long as an appeal or amendment procedure is possible.
For tradesman services and household-related services, the invoice and proof of payment must be kept for two years. Anyone earning high surplus income may be obliged to keep records for six years (§ 147a AO).

What you should do now

  1. 1

    1. Sort receipts

    Organize receipts by tax year and type (work-related expenses, tradesmen, donations).

  2. 2

    2. Observe mandatory deadlines

    Keep tradesman and special receipts in line with the legal deadlines.

  3. 3

    3. Hold until binding

    Keep documents until the assessment is binding and no change is possible anymore.

  4. 4

    4. Back up digitally

    Consider an orderly digital archive as a safeguard.

How to spot the scam

  • Receipts are destroyed before the assessment is binding.
  • Tradesman invoices are thrown away before the two-year deadline expires.
  • A retention obligation for high income is overlooked.

Frequently asked questions

How long must I keep tax receipts?

For pure private individuals there is usually no general obligation, but you should keep receipts as long as the assessment can still be changed, that is, until it is binding and during ongoing procedures. In practice a few years is sensible so you can provide evidence.

Are there special cases with an obligation?

Yes. Invoices for tradesman services and household-related services at the property must be kept for two years. Anyone earning high surplus income may be obliged to keep the receipts for six years (§ 147a AO). Landlords should also keep documents for a long time.

Is a digital copy enough?

For your own purposes an orderly digital archive is sensible and usually sufficient to provide evidence. Where the tax office demands originals, you should be able to produce them. A double backup, paper and digital, protects against loss.

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General information for self-help, not legal advice (RDG). In case of a high loss or uncertainty: contact a consumer advice center or a lawyer.