REVIEW WHICH LLC RECORDS TO KEEP, AND WHAT STARTS THE CLOCK
EINForeigner — private preparation worksheet — November 4, 2026
https://einforeigner.com/llc-record-retention-review/

The IRS says retention depends on the action, expense or event a document records. A generic “three years” folder rule can miss longer periods, unfiled returns, property basis and non-tax obligations. This is a review inventory, not permission to destroy documents.

Keep this sheet and sensitive identifiers in your own secure records. Do not send them to this site. This is not an IRS form, filing or authorization.

WORKSHEET
For each field, attach the named evidence or mark UNKNOWN; do not fill a gap from memory.

1. Document family
What to record: Return support, property/basis, payroll, related-party books, formation/account identity or other purpose.
Your record: ____________________
Evidence file/reference and date: ____________________
Open question: ____________________

2. Dependencies
What to record: Taxpayer, return/period, asset, related party, contract or proceeding using this record.
Your record: ____________________
Evidence file/reference and date: ____________________
Open question: ____________________

3. Anchor and proof
What to record: Filing/due/payment/disposal date relevant to the rule, with the source proving it; unknown if unsupported.
Your record: ____________________
Evidence file/reference and date: ____________________
Open question: ____________________

4. Exceptions and holds
What to record: Unfiled/amended return, dispute, missing evidence, longer tax rule and non-tax retention requirement.
Your record: ____________________
Evidence file/reference and date: ____________________
Open question: ____________________

5. Reviewed action
What to record: Keep/hold/review later; reviewer, source rule and rationale. No automatic deletion from this worksheet.
Your record: ____________________
Evidence file/reference and date: ____________________
Open question: ____________________

WORKED REFERENCE — FICTIONAL, NOT YOUR RECORD
Paid after the due date
Employment tax records show a due date earlier than actual payment.
Record both dates. The IRS minimum described above uses the later one, not the document creation date.

COMPLETION CHECK
A completed inventory names the rule, evidence for its anchor and all known dependencies. Keep it alongside the archive. The downloadable sheet deliberately has no “delete now” instruction.

SOURCES
IRS record retention: limitations, property and other purposes
https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/how-long-should-i-keep-records
IRS 5472 instructions: scope, foreign-owned U.S. DEs, related parties and records
https://www.irs.gov/instructions/i5472