How long do I need to keep records for the CRA?

The CRA generally requires you to keep all business records for a minimum of **6 years** from the end of the tax year to which they relate. For example, records from the 2024 tax year (January–December 2024) must be kept until at least the end of 2030. **What you must keep:** - All source documents: receipts, invoices, bank statements, cancelled cheques - Sales records and accounts receivable - Purchase records and accounts payable - Payroll records (if you have employees) - GST/HST records if registered - Mileage logbooks for vehicle claims - Home office calculation support (floor plan, utility bills) - Business contracts and agreements **Digital records:** The CRA accepts digital copies of records, provided they are accurate, complete, and accessible if requested. Scanning paper receipts and storing them in cloud services (Google Drive, Dropbox) is acceptable. **Under audit:** If you are under a CRA audit or have appealed a tax assessment, you must keep records until the dispute is resolved, even if that extends beyond 6 years. **Destruction:** You may request CRA permission to destroy records earlier than 6 years using Form T137.

  • Minimum 6 years from the end of the relevant tax year
  • Keep all receipts, invoices, bank statements, and contracts
  • Digital copies acceptable — scanning paper receipts is valid
  • Mileage logbooks and home office calculations are high audit priority
  • Cannot destroy records earlier without CRA permission (Form T137)

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