In France, the law imposes retention periods for different types of documents, whether for businesses or individuals. These obligations vary depending on the nature of the documents and their potential use in the event of an audit, a dispute, or career reconstruction. Failure to comply with these retention periods may result in penalties or the loss of rights.
Retention Periods Governed by Law
Documents must be kept for specific periods, depending on their nature. Generally, five main categories are distinguished: 5 years, 6 years, 10 years, until retirement, and for life.
For Businesses
- 10 years: accounting books and records, invoices, bank statements, VAT documents…
- 6 years: documents related to communication, investigation, and administrative control rights (e.g., tax returns).
- 5 years: social documents (pay slips, employment contracts), social declarations, payment proofs…
For Individuals
- 10 years: energy performance certificate (DPE) issued since July 1, 2021.
- 6 years: certain housing invoices, administrative documents.
- 5 years: vehicle-related documents (contracts, tickets, insurance…).
- Until retirement: pay slips, employment certificates, documents for reconstructing a career.
- For life: civil status records, marriage contracts, divorce or adoption judgments, diplomas…
Why Respect These Deadlines?
Failure to retain documents within the legal deadlines may result in:
- Administrative or financial penalties.
- An inability to defend oneself in case of a dispute.
- Loss of essential information needed to prove a right or reconstruct a situation.
Archives Conseil: Securing Your Retention Obligations
At Archives Conseil, we support businesses, professionals, and individuals in managing and preserving their paper documents. Thanks to our expertise, we help you to:
- Identify the documents to be retained according to their nature and legal retention period.
- Implement appropriate and secure storage solutions.
- Prevent the risk of loss or deterioration.
- Comply with regulatory obligations with complete peace of mind.