Resources

The Official Sources, In One Place.

Links to federal and Washington State agencies clients need most often. Every link points to an official government site — nothing here is a substitute for advice about your specific situation.

Federal & Washington State

What to keep, and for how long

  • Tax returns and supporting schedules — keep permanently
  • Bank and credit card statements — 7 years
  • Payroll records and filed payroll returns — at least 4 years after the tax is due or paid
  • Receipts supporting deductions — 7 years
  • Records for property and equipment — until 7 years after disposal
  • Entity formation documents, licenses, and ownership records — permanently
  • Records supporting an E-2 investment — permanently, and organized

General guidance only. Retention periods can be longer in specific circumstances — ask before discarding anything.

Before your first meeting

  • Last two years of filed tax returns, business and personal
  • Current bookkeeping file or access to it, in whatever state it is in
  • Recent bank and merchant statements
  • Any notices received from the IRS or Washington State
  • Formation documents and ownership agreements
  • A short list of the decisions you expect to make in the next twelve months

Not sure which of these applies to you?

Ask before you spend an afternoon on the wrong form.

Schedule a Consultation