Keep 1–3 years
- Bank statements & reconciliations
- Cancelled checks (non-essential)
- Expired insurance policies
- Routine correspondence
Helpful resources
Quick references and answers to common questions. Have something more specific? We're always happy to help.
Tools & links
Useful tax tools
Where's My Refund?
Track the status of your federal refund directly on the IRS website.
irs.gov →IRS Forms & Publications
Find and download federal tax forms, instructions, and publications.
irs.gov →Texas Comptroller
State sales tax, franchise tax, and business filing resources for Texas.
comptroller.texas.gov →
Record Retention Guide
How long should you keep records?
A general guide to retaining common financial and tax documents. When in doubt, hold on to it — or ask us.
Keep 3–7 years
- Income tax returns & supporting docs
- W-2s and 1099s
- Receipts for deductions
- Records of sold investments
Keep indefinitely
- Tax returns (recommended to keep permanently)
- Legal documents & contracts
- Retirement & pension records
- Records of property & major purchases
Business records
- Payroll records (at least 4 years)
- Employment tax records (4 years)
- Financial statements (permanently)
- Corporate/formation documents (permanently)
This guide is general information, not specific advice. Retention requirements can vary by situation — contact us before discarding important records.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What should I bring to my tax appointment?
Bring photo ID, Social Security numbers for everyone on the return, all income forms (W-2s, 1099s, K-1s), records of deductions and credits, last year's return, and any IRS or state notices you've received. Not sure about something? Bring it along and we'll sort it out together.
Do you work with businesses outside of Lufkin?
Yes. While we're proud to serve the Lufkin and East Texas community, our secure client portal lets us work with clients wherever they are. Get in touch and we'll find an approach that works for you.
How does the secure client portal work?
The portal lets you upload and download documents, returns, and statements safely online, 24/7, from any device. It's a faster, safer alternative to email for sensitive financial information. Contact us to request access.
I got a letter from the IRS — what do I do?
First, don't panic. Many notices are routine and easily resolved. Don't ignore it, but don't rush a response either. Contact us with the notice and we'll help you understand what it means and how to respond.
Can you help me set up QuickBooks?
Absolutely. We provide QuickBooks setup, conversion, training, clean-up, and ongoing support — and we can help you purchase the software at a discount. See our QuickBooks services for details.
Still have questions?
We're glad to help. Reach out and we'll get you a clear answer.