Deciding when to toss and when to keep records is a challenge.  We’ve probably all faced your situation.  In fact, most tax professionals will probably tell you that one of their most frequently asked client question is “How long do I need to keep tax records?”  This is an important question because the number one reason most taxpayers have to pay additional taxes when audited is because of poor bookkeeping.  Researching or recreating lost or misplaced tax records can be time consuming, but given the (equally or more painful) alternative or paying more taxes, it’s probably worth your time.  Your process could be as easy as calling a merchant and asking for a duplicate receipt or as complicated as conducting extensive research on prices for similar items.  If you need copies of past tax returns (and you have no tax professional to provide them) you can order copies from the IRS.  Photocopies of past returns cost $39 and can be ordered by calling 1-800-829-1040.