
204 ⎸ Q: How long should we retain client documents?
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In this episode, I'm tackling a listener question about document retention in our digital age. You know how we used to worry about keeping physical files for 3, 5, or 7 years? Well, now that everything's digital and stored in the cloud, does that change our retention strategy? Spoiler alert: it's way more complex than I initially thought! I'm breaking down both IRS guidelines for small businesses AND AICPA guidelines for accounting firms, plus sharing exactly what we do in our own firm.
What You'll Learn:
- The difference between IRS requirements for small businesses vs. AICPA guidelines for accounting firms
- How to create your own document retention policy (and why every firm owner needs one)
- The logistics of offboarding clients while protecting yourself legally
- What documents you should NEVER delete and what you can purge after 7-10 years
Resources mentioned:
- Ask YOUR Questions at: http://speakpipe.com/ambitiousbookkeeper
- IRS Publication 583 and 552
- AICPA Guidelines
- IRS.gov
- Dropbox, OneDrive, Google Workspace, Google Drive
- Canopy, Content Snare
For experienced bookkeepers & accountants:
- Learn how to start your bookkeeping business in The Bookkeeping Business Accelerator®: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/bba
- Grab my FREE Start your Bookkeeping Biz Checklist: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/checklist
- Grab my FREE New Client Onboarding Templates: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/onboard
For new bookkeepers:
- Learn the fundamental accounting skills in Katie Ferro's Become a Bookkeeper: https://www.katieferro.com/a/38894/2PQNgtvv
For online businesses:
- Become a client at my firm, Of Course Financial: https://www.ofcoursebookkeeping.com/contact
Connect with us:
- Visit our website: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com
- Follow the Blog: https://www.ambitiousbookkeeper.com/blog
- Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ambitiousbookkeeper
- Connect on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@ambitiousbookkeeper
- Connect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/serenashoupcpa
Podcast Publishing Tools we use:
- Editing → Sabr Media LLC: https://www.iangilliam.com/sabr-media-llc
- Descript: https://get.descript.com/u7lubkx09073 (affiliate link)
- Buzzsprout: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1753696 (affiliate link)
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