DEAR SUN SPOTS: According to the IRS, how many years should you keep your tax returns? Thanks. — Bob, Norway.
 
ANSWER: According to the IRS.gov website, except in certain situations, you should keep your tax returns and all supporting documentation for a period of three years, or for the length of the “period of limitations.” The period of limitations is the time frame in which you can file to amend a return to claim a credit or refund, or during which time the IRS can assess additional taxes. Direct from its website, here are the guidelines it provides:
 
Period of limitations that apply to income tax returns
1. Keep records for three years if situations (4), (5), and (6) below do not apply to you.
2. Keep records for three years from the date you filed your original return or two 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 seven years if you file a claim for a loss from worthless securities or bad debt deduction.
4. Keep records for six years if you do not report income that you should report, and it is more than 25 percent 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 four years after the date that the tax becomes due or is paid, whichever is later.
 
DEAR SUN SPOTS: My family and I are looking for a non-denominational Christian church. I am hoping your readers will be able to suggest a true Bible-believing church in the central Maine area. Thank you! — No Name, Auburn.
 
ANSWER: Choosing the right church at which to worship and find fellowship is a highly personal decision, based on your individual value system and core beliefs. Hopefully, a reader recommendation will lead you to the perfect local church for your family. In the meantime, Sun Spots found the following three local churches listed under the non-denominational category of her Rolodex: Christian Family Church in Auburn, (207) 784-8906; Lewiston/Auburn Church of Christ, (207) 786-2111; and Sovereign Grace Church, (207) 783-0947.
 
DEAR SUN SPOTS: I love your column and I read it every day. You have helped me before, so I am writing to you again. Is Cristina Frank on Channel 8 a sister or relative to Tracy Sabol? They look so much alike. Thank you. — Ellen, Jay.

ANSWER: While Cristina Frank and Tracy Sabol both work as news anchors for WMTW Channel 8, Frank on the morning newscast and Sabol in the evenings, they are not relatives. Perhaps the news team at WMTW is just so tight-knit that they seem like a family. 

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