Filing Ain't Fun: Employee File Retention Guidelines Unleashed!


July 5, 2023

Filing Ain't Fun: Employee File Retention Guidelines Unleashed!

Alright, folks, time to tackle the mind-numbing world of employee file retention guidelines. It’s like playing a game of “how long can we keep this paperwork before it becomes a fire hazard?” So, let’s dive in and decipher this bureaucratic labyrinth, shall we?

First things first, we’ve got the almighty Personnel Files. These babies contain all the juicy details of an employee’s journey through the company. From their resume and application to performance reviews and disciplinary actions, it’s a veritable treasure trove of information. Hang on tight, because these files should be kept for as long as the company’s existence. Yep, you heard that right, eternity!

Next up, we’ve got the Payroll Records. This is where you keep track of all the hard-earned cash flowing into your employees’ pockets. So, how long should you hold on to these precious documents? Well, the law says keep them for at least three years. But hey, why stop there? Let’s store them until the end of time, just to be safe. After all, who doesn’t love a good payroll record from 1978?

Now, let’s talk Taxes. Oh boy, nothing screams excitement like digging through boxes of old tax forms. The general rule of thumb is to keep those tax records for at least seven years. Yep, you never know when the IRS might come knocking, asking about that epic tax return from your employee’s second cousin’s neighbor’s dog walker. Better safe than sorry, right?

Oh, and don’t forget the Medical Records. HIPAA, my friend, is watching your every move. Medical records should be stored securely and kept confidential. As for how long to hold onto these gems, well, let’s stick with a solid seven years. Just in case you want to reminisce about that time Bob had a case of the sniffles back in 2015.

Last but not least, the Termination Records. Ah, the sweet taste of bidding farewell to an employee. But wait, don’t throw those records away just yet. Hang on to them for at least three years. You know, in case you want to take a trip down memory lane and relive the glory days of Bob’s departure.

So there you have it, my comrades in filing cabinets. Employee file retention guidelines demystified. Keep those personnel files forever, hold on to payroll records like they’re made of gold, store tax and medical records for seven years, and cherish termination records for a solid three years. Just remember, the key to success is an overflowing mountain of paperwork. Happy filing, folks!

From your Friends at BestDayHR