How long we have to keep the logs?

IRS can ask for logs 5 years back I believe. And if your elog most systems delete after 6 months so get paper copies, or pdf files. Most employers do not give you elog copies unless you ask.

 

Now. I hope, IRS won't give you a ticket for being over your 70 from a log 5 years old. I mean, let's imagine that an IRS auditor is a former DOT official.

 

I did the same... everything I'm required to show and nothing more. So, as a cross-border driver I had two binders for my log sheets and I would take the additional seven days (as required in Canada--14 days) out of my "current" binder when in the US. I would also remove the ninth day (or 15th in Canada) as I started a new day.

For @TallJoe, yes, drivers and companies do get tripped up by including information they don't have to provide (older logs, receipts, etc.) either by accident or when asked (even though the inspector is not legally entitled to the information. I have had drivers tell me, "well, he asked for it, so I gave it to him."... D'oh!). I checked every receipt, BoL, etc., every time I got one to ensure it had the correct date & time and I either noted a correction on the document or got rid of it. I believe most enforcement/inspectors are just doing their job to ensure compliance, but there are some who are just as interested in screwing you if they can.

 

Exactly why one should NEVER provide any more than what they are required to have with them. You cannot get in trouble for not having someting you aren't required to have. You MIGHT get in trouble producing documents you have but don't need. Even if the risk level is extremely low by producing those documents, it surpasses the risk level of denying the existence of those documents. You aren't required to have them, so they can't write you up for not having them.

 

From the IRS website:IRS Audits | Internal Revenue Service

How far back can the IRS go to audit my return?
Generally, the IRS can include returns filed within the last three years in an audit. If we identify a substantial error, we may add additional years. We usually don’t go back more than the last six years.