Retention and destruction

You have to keep all of the records and supporting documents that are required to determine your tax obligations and entitlements for a period of six years.

This six-year period starts at the end of the tax year to which the records relate. The tax year is the fiscal period for corporations and the calendar year for all other taxpayers.

Records and supporting documents concerning long-term acquisitions and disposal of property, the share registry, and other historical information that would have an impact upon sale or liquidation or wind-up of the business must be kept indefinitely.

Note
We may require you to keep records for an additional period of time. If this is the case, you will receive details by registered letter or by a demand served personally by one of our representatives.

Destroying records early

If you get written permission from us, you may destroy your books and records earlier than the six-year period mentioned above.

To get permission, complete Form T137, Request for Destruction of Books and Records, or write to your tax services office.

Note
The permission only applies to records that are required to be kept under the legislation we administer. We have no authority to approve the destruction of records that are required to be kept under other federal, provincial, territorial, and municipal laws.

If you destroy paper or electronic records without the express permission of the CRA, you may be subject to prosecution.

Forms and publications

• Form T137, Request for Destruction of Books and Records
• Guide RC4409, Keeping Records
• Information Circular IC05-1R1, Electronic Record Keeping
• Information Circular IC78-10R5, Books and Records Retention/Destruction

Related topics

• Tax services offices