Keeping Business Records 3rd March 2000 The length of time that business and tax related records should be kept depends upon which legislation they relate to. A brief simplified summary follows: Records Time Limits Company Statutory Registers Indefinitely Company Board and General Meeting Minutes At least 10 years Employer’s Liability Insurance Certificates 40 Years Details of Past Shareholders 20 Years Sealed Contracts 12 Years Corporation Tax Records 6 Years Value Added Tax Records 6 Years Income Tax Records 6 Years Contract Law, generally 6 Years Public Company Accounting Records 6 Years Private Company Accounting Records 3 Years Pay As You Earn Records 3 Years Sub-contractor Tax Certificates 3 Years Wages Tax Credits 3 Years National Minimum Wage Records 3 Years Student Loan Repayment Records (through Payroll) 3 Years Detailed Retentions: Accounting | Personnel | Contractual