File Retention Guidelines

The right way to handle, retain, and erase files

Get FREE Trial
Client Logo
Client Logo
Client Logo
Client Logo
Client Logo

Enhance the efficiency of file management with File Retention Guidelines

Reduced risk of data breaches

By retaining files for the right amount of time as per FileCloud’s file retention guidelines, you can reduce the risk of data breaches. Old files that are no longer needed can be purged, reducing the chances of them falling into the wrong hands.

Meet regulatory requirements

Certain businesses are subject to file retention laws that require them to keep certain files for a minimum amount of time. Failing to do so could result in hefty fines. With FileCloud, you can always adhere to regulatory requirements without any extra process in place. 

Improved efficiency

If your office is cluttered with old files, it can be difficult to find what you are looking for. This can lead to wasted time and frustration. By regularly disposing of old files as per FileCloud’s file retention guidelines, you can improve the efficiency of your office.

Gartner Per Insights Logo 2018
Gartner Per Insights Logo 2019
Gartner Per Insights Logo 2020
Gartner Per Insights Logo 2021
Gartner Per Insights Logo 2022

FileCloud has received the Gartner Peer Insights Customers’ Choice Distinction for the fifth consecutive time!

92% of our customers would recommend us to a friend.

Rating Stars Image 4.6

Be it for personal or legal, financial, or historical purposes your company needs to keep different types of files for different periods of time.

The key to tracking this data is to have a robust file retention solution that helps your business implement the correct file retention strategy for each type of file. With FileCloud, you can create and manage an unlimited number of file retention policies according to your organizational needs. But how do you do it effectively?

What Is File Retention?

File retention is the process and/or policy of retaining digital or physical files for a specific amount of time. The duration of time can be determined by organizational needs, legal requirements, or other conditions.

Once the file retention period is up, the files can be deleted or archived according to the file retention strategy.

For example, businesses in the healthcare industry are required to keep patient files for 6 years. 

While file retention may not seem like a pressing issue, it is important to comply with the relevant laws and regulations. Not doing so could result in hefty fines.

With the right file retention policies in place, data control and record retention compliance can be delivered for files and folders in the cloud.

As per business file retention guidelines, the FileCloud file retention policy is created and stored along with the files. Depending on what actions the administrators need to take with the files, a set of rules are defined in the policy, making it easy for automation and manipulation of files or folders.

How long should you keep files as per business file retention guidelines?

The file retention schedule totally depends on the type of retention file in question. There are some types of files that must be kept for specific periods of time according to file retention laws (For example, record retention for taxes). Other types of files should be kept for as long as they remain relevant (For example, accounting file retention).

For better understanding, here is a record retention policy sample for accounting file retention as stated by the Illinois CPA Society (ICPAS).

  • Annual financial statements – Forever
  • Banks statements and deposit slip – For 7 years
  • Cash disbursements – Forever
  • Electronic payment records – for 7 years
  • Employee expenses reports – For 7 years
  • Fixed asset record – Forever
  • Annual plans and budgets – For 2 years

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the retention period in file retention?

The retention period is the amount of time for which a file must be kept before it can be disposed of. This file retention period will vary depending on the type of file and the purpose for which it is being retained. The file retention guidelines can be used to identify an effective retention period that meets the needs of your organization.

What is an example of a retention period?

Here is one of the many examples of a file retention period schedule for legal files and papers:

  • Legal memoranda and opinions – 7 years after closure
  • Litigation files – 1 year after expiration
  • Court orders – retained forever

How to file for employee retention credit?

Employee retention credit is a tax credit available to businesses that retain their employees during the COVID-19 pandemic. The credit is available for eligible employers who keep their workers on the payroll. To file for employee retention credit, you must complete Form 941 and submit it to the IRS.

What can be considered a file retention method?

File retention method is a term that describes how long files should be kept and how they should be disposed of. There are many different file retention methods, but the most common are erasure, shredding, and archiving.

Worldwide

FileCloud
CodeLathe Technologies Inc.
dba FileCloud
125 Park Avenue FL 25
New York, NY 10017-5550

Fax: +1 (866) 824-9584

Europe

FileCloud Technologies Limited
Ducart Suite,
Castletroy Park Commercial Centre, Castletroy,
Limerick, Ireland


Copyright © FileCloud. All Rights Reserved.

Please select your country

SUBMIT