Corporate Records
How Long Should I Keep Corporate Records?
Corporate records includes general information related to the formation, administration and overarching strategy of the company. Some of these documents may overlap with categories found in the other sections within this guide.
Suggested Retention Duration for Select Corporate Records
Document Type | Suggested Minimum Retention |
Accident reports and claims | 7 years after settlement or resolution |
Affirmative Action Plan | 1 year after plan expiration |
Bylaws and Corporate Charter | Permanently |
Organizational/administrative charts | Permanently |
Contracts | 7 years after expiration |
Copyright, trademark and patent registrations | Permanently |
Administrative Correspondence* | 3 years |
*(Important memos, emails and other correspondence regarding strategy, services, programs, policies, procedures, planning and other such materials) | |
General/Routine Correspondence | 1 year |
Legal Correspondence | Permanently |
Customer and vendor correspondence | 2 years |
Material Safety Data Sheets | Permanently |
Patents and related filings | Permanently |
Meeting agendas and minutes | Permanently |
Purchase Orders | 1 year |
Inventory Records | 7 years |
Project files | Permanently |
Training manuals | Permanently |
Other Documents
A similar table will be provided in the corresponding sections for:
- Financial Records
- Business Taxes Records
- Personnel Records
- Management Plans and Procedures
- Contracts
- Donor Records
Important note: This list is only meant as a general guideline, not a substitute for legal advice. Consult your CPA or a New York business attorney for specific advice on best practices and legal compliance requirements.
NAID Certified
Complies with and fulfills all regulatory
requirements and policies of the
National Association for Information Destruction
What People Are Saying About PROSHRED®
Our doctor's office has used Safe Shredding many times. They are always courteous, on time and do a great job. We are very... read moreOur doctor's office has used Safe Shredding many times. They are always courteous, on time and do a great job. We are very confident that our papers are handled and shredded in a most professional manner. read less
Lynne Tanner9/27/2014The guys from Safe Shredding were very prompt and professional. They were able to take away all that we had in a fairly quick amount... read moreThe guys from Safe Shredding were very prompt and professional. They were able to take away all that we had in a fairly quick amount of time. I would definately recommend this company to my friends and other professionals. read less
James Henderson9/27/2014Had a great experience using Safe Shredding. The owner is helpful and was very accommodating with our requests for details to service. If... read moreHad a great experience using Safe Shredding. The owner is helpful and was very accommodating with our requests for details to service. If you call anyone else you are just taking a chance that you won't be happy. Give Safe Shredding a call and sleep tight tonight knowing important documents won't wind up in the wrong hands! read less
Michael Pittaro9/27/2016I use them for my company, The O'Donnell Agency, and would definitely recommend them to everyone. Their professionalism and service is impeccable. They are... read moreI use them for my company, The O'Donnell Agency, and would definitely recommend them to everyone. Their professionalism and service is impeccable. They are very reliable, always on time, and call ahead of time to let you know that they are on their way. They work very fast to get many bags of shredding out of our office. They are wonderful and I will make sure to recommend to all my friends/clients. read less
Erin Griffith9/27/2015Safe shredding really tears it up!!! Very professional and respectful of the workplace. Very trustworthy and safely dispose all of our confidential documents.... read moreSafe shredding really tears it up!!! Very professional and respectful of the workplace. Very trustworthy and safely dispose all of our confidential documents. Would definitely recommend their services. read less
Aaron Berg9/27/2014