One of the most frequently asked questions by taxpayers is, "How long should I keep my tax records?"

On its website, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) offers some guidelines.

Note: The IRS suggests taxpayers keep copies of your filed tax returns. They help in preparing future tax returns and making computations if you file an amended return.

1. Keep records for 3 years if situations (4), (5), and (6) below do not apply to you.
    
2. Keep records for 3 years from the date you filed your original return or 2 years from the date you paid the tax, whichever is later, if you file a claim for credit or refund after you file your return.
    
3. Keep records for 7 years if you file a claim for a loss from worthless securities or bad debt deduction.
    
4. Keep records for 6 years if you do not report income that you should report, and it is more than 25% of the gross income shown on your return.
    
5. Keep records indefinitely if you do not file a return.
    
6. Keep records indefinitely if you file a fraudulent return.
    
7. Keep employment tax records for at least 4 years after the date that the tax becomes due or is paid, whichever is later. 

Tip adapted from IRS.gov[7]

Traditionally, sand wedges are used to get out of the, well, sand. But, the club can also serve other purposes and can be your best friend for short, high pitch shots. The club's face is designed for a loft shot.

To take full advantage of your sand wedge outside of the bunker, focus on your follow-through position. Make sure your arms and hands control your swing while the rest of your body stays firm and only hit with 80% effort. Think of your body as a pendulum as the club head's natural weight uncocks your wrist at the bottom of your down swing. 

Tip adapted from Golf Week[8] 

• Put one hand on your belly and the other on your chest.
   
• Take a slow, deep breath from your belly and count to 4 as you breathe in.
   
• Hold your breath as you slowly count to 7.
   
• Then, slowly let your breath out as you count to 8. Try to get all the air out of your lungs by the time you reach 8.
   
• Repeat this breathing exercise 3-5 times or as many as are needed for increased relaxation.

Tip adapted from University of Michigan School of Medicine[9]

Thinking of giving your home a little upgrade? There are many environmentally-savvy ways to renovate your home! Here are some tips:

• Where possible, buy reclaimed/used pieces or materials. For example, reclaimed wood is not only environmentally-friendly, but it's also stylish and modern.
   
• When shopping for new appliances, look for energy-efficient options. Look for the Energy Star logo!
   
• Consider re-facing instead of replacing! Many items, such as kitchen cabinets, can be refaced or re-painted instead of replaced completely. This will save you money and is an eco-conscious swap.
   
• Choose low-voc paints because they're better for the environment and your health. Low-voc paint has less odors and toxic chemicals than traditional paint. 

Refreshing your home is a great feeling and it's even better when you can do it while also thinking about the environment!

Tip adapted from FresHome.com[10]

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Investing involves risk including the potential loss of principal. No investment strategy can guarantee a profit or protect against loss in periods of declining values.

Diversification does not guarantee profit nor is it guaranteed to protect assets.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average is a price-weighted average of 30 significant stocks traded on the New York Stock Exchange and the NASDAQ. The DJIA was invented by Charles Dow back in 1896.

The Nasdaq Composite is an index of the common stocks and similar securities listed on the NASDAQ stock market and is considered a broad indicator of the performance of stocks of technology companies and growth companies.

The 10-year Treasury Note represents debt owed by the United States Treasury to the public. Since the U.S. Government is seen as a risk-free borrower, investors use the 10-year Treasury Note as a benchmark for the long-term bond market.

Opinions expressed are subject to change without notice and are not intended as investment advice or to predict future performance.

Past performance does not guarantee future results.

You cannot invest directly in an index.

Consult your financial professional before making any investment decision.

Fixed income investments are subject to various risks including changes in interest rates, credit quality, inflation risk, market valuations, prepayments, corporate events, tax ramifications and other factors.

These are the views of Platinum Advisor Strategies, LLC, and not necessarily those of the named representative, Broker dealer or Investment Advisor and should not be construed as investment advice. Neither the named representative nor the named Broker dealer or Investment Advisor gives tax or legal advice. All information is believed to be from reliable sources; however, we make no representation as to its completeness or accuracy. Please consult your financial professional for further information.

The market indexes discussed are unmanaged and generally considered representative of their respective markets. Individuals cannot directly invest in unmanaged indexes. Past performance does not guarantee future results. The return and principal value of investments will fluctuate as market conditions change. When sold, investments may be worth more or less than their original cost. 

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