Are Recordkeeping Requirements the Same for All Businesses?

One of the first decisions any new company must make is how to keep records. From measuring the operation’s profit margins to verifying that everything is in accordance with IRS tax requirements, accurate recordkeeping is critical to your company’s success.

Fortunately, the IRS doesn’t mandate that businesses keep records in a specific format. As long as your records show accurate income and spending reporting, you can pick the solution that works best for your company.

What Type of Recordkeeping System Should I Use?

There are numerous solutions available for keeping your company’s records organized, from basic manila folder filing methods to advanced online computer systems. A records management system, whether simple or complicated, must be easy to use and provide enough storage for your needs.

Above all, the recordkeeping system you select must be tailored to your specific business requirements. The nature, scale, and complexities of your company, as well as the resources available to it, will all play a role in determining which data storage system is appropriate for you and your company.

How Long Should You Keep Records?

The amount of time you need to preserve a document is determined by the activity, cost, or occurrence it records. Basic rule of thumb is to keep company records for as long as you need them to show your earnings or expenses on a tax return and to keep all employment tax records for a minimum of four years.

What Types of Records Should You Keep?

The type of documents you need to retain for federal tax purposes is determined by the type of business you run. There is something called the burden of proof that business owners should be aware of in relation to recordkeeping. In this context, the burden of proof refers to your duty to verify entries, expenditures, and statements on your tax records. To deduct costs, you must be able to verify certain criteria.

Getting Rid of Old Records

It is critical that documents be carefully disposed of once they have reached their expiration date. Shredding solutions can destroy your documents according to your specifications. It’s important to choose a reputable shredding company that will guarantee all papers and/or electronic storage devices are securely destroyed.

Secure Enterprise Asset Management (SEAM) provides certified paper and other document shredding as well as electronic data wiping and hard drive shredding that keeps customers in compliance in Sioux Falls, SD.

We work with businesses in North Dakota and South Dakota, both on and offsite with our mobile data shredding trucks to meet your needs. Contact SEAM today to safely dispose of your company’s sensitive information.