Category: Finances

Clients are always calling our office asking how long we recommend they keep their financial records. Keeping good personal and business records is helpful for many reasons besides just taxes, such as when trying to obtain a new loan, for medical reasons or just for being organized. So today after Jim spoke to another client about how long they should keep certain records, we decided we should offer some advice on here for your convenience. As you read through the information below please note that while the IRS does not require you to keep tax records forever, there will be other reasons you’ll want to retain some documents indefinitely.

Individuals

Accident Reports & Claims – 6 Years
Alimony, Custody, Prenuptial Agreements – Permanently
Bank Statements – 3 Years
Birth & Death Certificates – Permanently
Canceled Checks – 3 Years
Certificates of Deposit Statements – 7 Years
Charitable Contributions – Keep with Tax Return
Employee Business Expense Report – Keep with Tax Returns
Forms 1099 Received – 7 Years
Forms W2 Received – Permanently
House Records (Mortgage & Repairs) – Permanently
Income Tax Return Record – Permanently
Insurance Policies – Keep Until Expiration
Investment Trade Authorizations – Permanently
List of Financial Assets – Permanently
Major Purchase Receipts – 7 Years
Medical Records – 7 Years
Retirement & Pension Records – Permanently
Wills & Trusts – Permanently

Businesses

Accident Reports & Claims – Permanently
Accounts Payable – Ledgers & Schedules – 7 Years
Accounts Receivable – Ledgers & Schedules – 7 Years
Audit Reports from CPA/Accountant – Permanently
Bank Reconciliations – 7 Years
Capital Stock & Bond Records – Permanently
Cash Books – Permanently
Checks & Cancelled Checks – Permanently
Contracts & Leases – 7 Years (After Expired)
Deeds, Mortgages, Bills of Sale – Permanently
Depreciation Schedules – 7 Years
Employee Time Cards & Expense Reports – 7 Years (After Termination)
Financial Statements – Permanently
Insurance Policies – 7 Years (After Expired)
Inventory Records – 7 Years
Invoices – 7 Years
Patent/Trademark Paperwork – Permanently
Personnel Records – Permanently
Tax Returns & Worksheets – Permanently
*DISCLAIMER – The suggested periods are just suggestions; they have no legal authority and are simply guidelines for your use in organizing and retaining your records.

Almost half of all adult Americans—or nearly 100 million people—either have never been married or are divorced or widowed. Many of these people incorrectly decide that financial planning is something that only married people do, but it’s always advisable to make sound financial decisions that will pay off now and in the future.

The Michigan Association of CPAs offers these tips.

Don’t Fail to Plan
Many married couples own homes, have retirement plans and set aside a bit each month in savings. Single people often make the mistake of assuming that none of those goals apply to them. In fact, home ownership can be a good investment and saving for retirement and other objectives are always smart steps. Don’t let your single status stand in the way of building a strong financial base.

Secure Your Safety Net
Losing your job or being unable to work due to illness can be particularly tough on single people because they don’t have spouses to share the financial burden if their income drops or disappears. That means it’s particularly important to have a financial cushion—typically up to six months’ salary—to cover your needs in case your income stream stops. In addition, consider buying disability insurance that will replace your income if you are incapacitated. Find out first whether your employer offers it, how much of your salary it will replace and how long it will last so that you know whether you’ll need to supplement that coverage. While disability insurance can be a good investment, life insurance may not be, unless you have children or an older relative or someone else who is financially dependent on you. Consult with us for more advice on your insurance needs.

Start Your Retirement Nest Egg
Being single can offer a great deal of independence, but it also means that you must be self-reliant. That will be particularly important in retirement, when you won’t be able to count on pooling your pension or IRA proceeds with a spouse. Make savings a habit now and you will be pleasantly surprised to see how much you’ve accumulated in only 10 years, let alone 30 or more. If your employer matches your contributions to a company pension plan, be sure to take advantage of the offer since it can significantly expand your nest egg.

Make Plans for an Emergency
A financial safety net can help ensure that you have the money you need if you become ill or incapacitated, but who will take care of you in this situation? Consider giving a trusted loved one or adviser power of attorney to make decisions for you if you’re unable to do so; everyone over 21 years of age should complete a Health Care Proxy. Many older people consider long-term-care insurance, but this choice is a complicated one that may not be advisable in all situations, so it’s a good idea to discuss it with us. Since this insurance is generally expensive, find out first whether you are covered under an employer’s long-term-care plan. Look also at any policy’s limitations, benefits qualification requirements and what kinds of facilities or care are covered to ensure the policy is right for you.

Safeguard Your Legacy
If you die without a will, your estate will be distributed according to the intestate succession laws, which vary with each state. Those who inherit will generally include spouses, registered domestic partners and blood relatives. No one else typically has a claim to the estate. As a result, if you’d like your assets to go to a particular relative, a long-term partner, close friend or your favorite charity, you will need to have it in writing. If you have children, anticipating their financial needs in the event of your death should of course be a critical part of your estate planning.

Turn to Your Local CPA
Have more questions about financial considerations for single people, or any other financial concern? We can help. Filak CPA Group can provide the insights or advice you need to make smart decisions.

Copyright 2012 The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.