Setting the File Retention Period

By default, the files your firm uploads to a Document Locker are retained for 2 years (24 months). If needed, your firm can set a shorter retention period. The retention period you select will apply to all files uploaded by the firm for all clients. You can select a retention period of 30, 60, or 90 days, or in three-month increments up to 24 months.

Files uploaded by clients are not affected by this change. All client-uploaded files are retained for two years, regardless of the firm setting. Your firm cannot change the retention period for these files. Finalized return packages are also retained for two years, regardless of the firm retention setting.

Once a file reaches the end of its retention period, it is deleted automatically. Deleted files are retained on the Deleted Files tab in the Document Locker for up to 30 days. After that time, the files are deleted permanently. See Deleting Files in a Document Locker for more information about deleted files.

Note: You must be assigned the Administration - Edit functional right to manage settings in the Administration section of Client Collaboration.

To set the file retention period for firm-uploaded files, do the following:

1. Click and select Administration.
2. Click Client Collaboration.
3. Click File Retention.
4. Select the length of time that files uploaded by the firm should be retained before they are purged.