Business records — 7-year retention (Corporations Act + tax)

Companies must retain financial + business records for 7 years.

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Who must comply

Companies + employers + reporting entities.

What triggers it

Recording event.

When due

Continuous retention; 7-year minimum.

Evidence required

Records management policy + actual retention.

Max penalty

Civil penalties; tax + AML enforcement consequences

Summary

Section 286 Corporations Act requires companies to keep written financial records for 7 years. Tax records also 7 years under TAA. Employee records 7 years under FW Regs. CDD records 7 years under AML/CTF Act.

Enforced by

Source legislation

Entity types

company

Topics

recordsretention

Source: https://asic.gov.au/for-business/running-a-company/financial-statements-and-audit/. Rules Mate is not a law firm. Always verify against the live regulator source before acting.