how long should you keep a general ledger for
Most business owners donât know how long they should hold on to old records. According to the IRS, hereâs how long you should keep those records: Permanently: 1  general ledgers and journals. 2  payroll records, including W-2s, 940s, 941s. 3  year-end financial statements.4  tax returns and supporting documents. 5  articles of incorporation, bylaws, meeting minutes, etc. 6  retirement plan records.ost business owners donât know how long they should hold on to old records. According to the IRS, hereâs how long you should keep those records: Permanently: 1  general ledgers and journals. 2  payroll records, including W-2s, 940s, 941s. 3  year-end financial statements. 4  tax returns and supporting documents.