How Long Do You Need to Keep Invoices for a Business?

Many people know that necessary documentation should be kept in case of a dispute. Why is it needed? For how long should you do it? And is it obligatory to keep paper copies? We’ve put together a quick guide on tax invoice and records keeping to make things clear.

Why Is Keeping Track of Invoices Important?

If you are still wondering why you should keep all the forms and why not get rid of them right away, then know that papers used in the work of any business are the basis and confirmation of its activities. Even after completing a task and the end of agreements, they should be stored for several years.

They help you plan your budget, keep track of received and expected amounts, and analyze your performance in the short term. For example, thanks to Saldo Invoice reports, you can identify the most active customers, the most frequently purchased products or ordered services, as well as see the periods when you had the most sales. Based on this information, you can adjust and improve your business.

In the long run, it’ll help you fill out tax returns and other official paperwork required by the IRS and other government agencies. Remember that any freelancer, self-employed, and independent contractor should be accountable for their performance. If any controversial situations arise, having all the documents for several previous years at hand, you can prove your case. For example, if, after some time, your client declares they have not received goods or services in the required volume, you will provide an appropriate invoice.

How to Organize Invoices for Small Businesses?

Since almost all companies and organizations have switched to paperless document flow, having digital storage is the most convenient way to store papers. Do I need to keep paper copies of invoices? No, it is not necessary now. If you have such docs, you can scan them and save them on your computer. Electronic document management greatly simplifies all the work processes, saves money and space, and protects sensitive data from potential scammers.

How to keep track of invoices and payments online? Large businesses use special archiving software to store documentation about the organization’s activities and each employee individually. Small companies do not need such cumbersome programs. They may use a small platform or application to fill out sample invoices for services and save them for further analysis.

How long should you keep business records? The answer to this question may vary according to your specific situation. Depending on the degree of importance, historical, scientific or practical value, documents accompanying your activities have different storage periods.

The IRS’s standard guidelines are for you to keep papers for three years. However, the term can change in some circumstances, so most lawyers recommend increasing the period to seven years. A copy of an invoice can be helpful if, for example, the tax office suspects you of intentionally and materially misrepresenting facts when filling out returns. Verification of data may take some time, and during this entire term, you need to keep copies of the required papers.

In addition to storing the documentation, all the papers you write out should be in order and contain the necessary information. Use our generator, ready-made templates, and a flat or hourly invoice example to write the correct bills. Safe file storage ensures that you can respond to any request from the government or a client and provide the required forms.

Tax Return and Audit Considerations

Let’s face it: nobody loves the thought of an audit or the headache of tax filing. But here’s the deal: keeping clean invoice records isn’t just a chore. It’s like having a golden ticket in your pocket. Say you’re audited. Those invoices act as a solid defense, showing you’ve been honest and above board all along. In other words, they’re your shield in ensuring financial compliance and legal compliance. So, you can breathe a bit easier rather than sweating it out when tax season or an audit looms.

Document Retention Periods

Wondering how long should you hold on to all these papers or files? You’re not alone. Here’s a simple guideline on the record retention period:

• Three Years: Basic retention period recommended by the IRS.
• Seven Years: Lawyers often advise keeping documents this long, especially if they’re more sensitive.

Remember, these aren’t just random numbers. They’re official retention guidelines. Stick to them, and you’ll find document storage much less stressful.

Organizing Invoice Records

Okay, so you’ve got a ton of invoices. Storing them in some random folder on your computer or shoebox won’t cut it. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later for putting in a tiny bit of effort now. Organize your invoice records by year, client, or type of service. This way, when you’re in the heat of audit preparation, you’re not frantically searching for that one invoice from two years ago. An organized system is also a time-saver for your everyday tasks.

Digital Record Keeping

Gone are the days when you needed towering file cabinets and endless physical space for document storage. Now, digital record-keeping has made life so much easier. Whether you’re a one-person show or a growing team, simple apps and more advanced document management systems can save you time, effort, and money. The best part? With everything securely stored online, you don’t have to worry about losing crucial documents in a fire or flood.

Reassessing Your Approach to Invoicing

Handling your invoices and keeping track of records might seem like a minor task you’d rather not consider. However, doing this right is more than crossing your T’s and dotting your I’s. It’s about ensuring smooth tax filing, staying in the good books with the law (legal compliance), and being ready for any audits that may come your way (audit preparation). If you’re on top of your invoice retention, you’re doing more than just hoarding files; you’re building a reliable foundation for your business.