Expert: Ed McFarland - 10/4/2005

Question
I am currently in a legal battle with a former employer over wages. I have supeoned the payroll records from them, but they have yet to produce them. How long is an accountant required to hold on to the payroll records? If a company changes accountants, is the previous accountant required to turn over all records to the new accountant?  

Answer
For all mattters regarding taxes, the records should be kept for 5 years. Personnel records are suppose to be kept longer.

The records belong to the company, providing they are paid up with the old accountant. However your discovery process should get you access to them regardless.

Given how old and far back you claim is will probably impact the recovery time. The records are probably archived somewhere.

Good luck