Storage & Filing — Expert Answer

How should I store tax records in a filing cabinet?

Tax records require organized, accessible, and long-term storage — typically 7 years for business returns and supporting documentation (some records, like property basis, should be kept indefinitely). A practical approach: dedicate one filing cabinet drawer per tax year, labeled clearly. Within each year's drawer, organize by category: income records, expense receipts, payroll records, bank statements, and the filed return itself. Keep the most recent 3 years readily accessible; move older years to archive storage. For business owners, keep a physical copy of all filed returns in a fireproof cabinet. Original source documents (receipts, contracts) should be maintained — scanned copies are helpful but originals often required for IRS documentation. FindOfficeFurniture.com — call 888-719-4960.
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