keep logs for how long?

Only the carrier is required to keep your logs for two years.
If you are the carrier then the resposibility is yours.
You are only required to have the previous 7 days in your possession.

 

It might be a good idea to hang onto the old log books if you are claiming the per-diam on your taxes,.....They would be the only way to show a IRS auditor which days you were out and eligible for the per-diam,...

I think,........

 

I would suggest you keep your copies of the logbook for at least the period of time the IRS can go back and check taxes. I kept mine for 7 years as that's what my accountant suggested. The above post is correct regarding per diem pay.

 

The IRS is able to go back as far as they deem necessary if they believe tax fraud has been committed. For this reason if you choose to deduct your per diem (and it's a large sum like most OTR drivers have) then it is best to keep your logs for at least 7 years. It may seem excessive, but with the crooks we have in the government, it's better safe than sorry.

 

Id keep them too for per-diem and also if you change jobs and they ask for proof from a bankrupt co.

 

Actually keep all of them for 7 years to use for your per diem filings, BUT the IRS can go back as far as they want to and not stop at a seven year limit. Been there done that! Glad I took my fathers advice for once and kept everything!

After seven years you need only keep a representative showing of your filings such as keeping every other month but it's just as easy to get one of those big office storage boxes and file in it til it's full write the dates from and to and then start anew box. After 39 years of filing I haven't quite filled 2 1/2 boxes which stay in the attic. The old small log books are so hard to store! But the loose leaf for a year will fit in a large envelope.

NOW do NOT take anyone's advice on an open forum but check with the IRS yourself! In this day and age CYA is the FIRST rule of survival! With the internet and toll free numbers it's not hard to get GOOD information BUT because of the QUALITY of people who work at the IRS call 3 times and go with the odds! LOL

 

The other drivers are correct. For tax purposes and sometimes for proof of experience. I still have a copy of every log I ever filled out.
You never know it may save you on a rainy day.

As for the first quote, that is only the FMCSA regulations regarding logs and record keeping requirements.