Keeping Business Records

3rd March 2000

The length of time that business and tax related records should be kept depends upon which legislation they relate to. A brief simplified summary follows:

Records      Time Limits 
Company Statutory Registers Indefinitely
Board Meeting Minutes/Resolutions Indefinitely
General Meeting Minutes/Resolutions Indefinitely
Details of Past Shareholders 20 Years
Sealed Contracts 12 Years
Corporation Tax Records 6 Years
Value Added Tax Records 6 Years
Income Tax Records 6 Years
Contract Law, generally 6 Years
Public Company Accounting Records 6 Years
Private Company Accounting Records 3 Years
Pay As You Earn Records 3 Years
Sub-contractor Tax Certificates 3 Years
Wages Tax Credits 3 Years
National Minimum Wage Records 3 Years
Student Loan Repayment Records (through Payroll) 3 Years
Employer’s Liability Insurance Certificates Period of Cover

Detailed Retentions:

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