FAQs
How long do I need to keep my records?
| ACCOUNTING RECORDS | RETENTION PERIOD |
| Accounts payable | 7 years |
| Accounts receivable | 7 years |
| Audit Reports | Permanent |
| Chart of accounts | Permanent |
| Depreciation schedules | Permanent |
| Expense records | 7 years |
| Financial statements (annual) | Permanent |
| Fixed asset purchases | Permanent |
| General Ledger | Permanent |
| Inventory records | 7 years |
| Loan payment schedules | 7 years |
| Purchase orders (1 copy) | 7 years |
| Sales records | 7 years |
| Tax returns | Permanent |
| BANK RECORDS | |
| Bank reconciliations | 2 years |
| Bank statements | 7 years |
| Canceled checks | 7 years |
| Electronic payment records | 7 years |
| CORPORATE RECORDS | |
| Board | Permanent |
| Business licenses | Permanent |
| Contracts – major | Permanent |
| Contracts – minor | Life + 4 years |
| Insurance policies | Life + 3 years |
| Leases/mortgages | Permanent |
| Patents/trademarks | Permanent |
| Shareholder records | Permanent |
| Stock registers | Permanent |
| Stock transactions | Permanent |
| EMPLOYEE RECORDS | |
| Benefit plans | Permanent |
| Employee files (ex-employees) | 7 years |
| Employment applications | 3 years |
| Employment taxes | 7 years |
| Payroll records | 7 years |
| Pension/profit sharing plans | Permanent |
| REAL PROPERTY RECORDS | |
| Construction records | Permanent |
| Leasehold improvements | Permanent |
| Lease payment records | Life + 4 years |
| Real estate purchases | Permanent |
When do I need to file?
The IRS has information about this.
Where is my refund?
Information about federal refunds can be found here; information about Minnesota refunds; here.