Core engagement records
Our standard retention period for core engagement files is seven years after the relevant engagement is completed or terminated. These files may include agreed scopes, essential supporting records, final deliverables, material correspondence, and authorization records needed to document the work. We retain master relationship acceptance records for seven years after the client relationship ends.
These periods reflect our recordkeeping policy, not a statement that every law requires seven years for every item. We assess the legal requirements and legitimate business reasons for keeping particular records, review what remains necessary, and avoid keeping unnecessary duplicate or temporary material simply because it relates to a client.
When a longer period is needed
Applicable minimum retention requirements, litigation or investigation holds, unresolved matters, and a continuing documented need can extend a retention period. Records supporting asset basis, carryforwards, or other ongoing tax items may need to be kept beyond seven years. We reassess those records when the continuing need ends.
Consent records are kept for the applicable legal minimum and, when necessary, with the related core file to document the authorization and any withdrawal. Retention of a consent does not extend its permission beyond its stated terms.
Temporary and provider-held copies
We remove temporary working copies when they are no longer needed, subject to applicable requirements and holds. This includes reviewing downloaded files, intermediate exports, and approved AI copies for removal rather than treating them all as permanent records.
Provider systems, backups, and legal exceptions can affect removal. We do not promise immediate erasure or a single automatic deletion deadline across all services. We document appropriate removal requests and any known limitations.
Keep your own records
Keep your original records and copies of completed returns and deliverables. Our file is not a substitute for your own recordkeeping, and a portal should not be your only archive. Ask us about your particular records if you are unsure how long to keep them.
You may request a copy or return of your records at dillon@rccnacct.com. We verify identity and authority and follow the rules governing access and return of client records. A fee dispute does not remove the record-return duties that apply to us.
Permanent bundle: https://rccnacct.com/policies/2026-10-11