What records and receipts do I need to keep to back up my deductions and credits?

Keep anything that substantiates income, deductions, and credits: W-2s and 1099s, receipts for charitable gifts, mortgage interest and property tax statements, medical bills, childcare provider details and tax IDs for the care credit, and Form 1098-T for education credits. Note dates, amounts, and business purpose for anything deductible. The IRS generally recommends keeping records at least three years from filing, since that is the usual audit window, and longer, up to six or seven years, if you underreported substantially or claimed certain losses. Digital scans are acceptable. Good year-round records make claiming legitimate breaks painless and give you a defense if the IRS ever asks. A simple folder or app per tax year is enough for most households.