For how many years must time cards be retained if a report of hours worked is also kept?

Time cards must be retained for a minimum of two years if a report of hours worked is also kept. This requirement stems from federal regulations that govern payroll and labor recordkeeping, particularly in relation to the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Keeping time cards for this duration ensures that employers have adequate documentation to support payroll calculations and to comply with audits or inquiries regarding hours worked by employees.

Additionally, retaining records for two years helps ensure that employers are prepared to answer any potential disputes about hours worked or wages due to employees, which is critical for maintaining compliance with labor laws. While some records may have different retention times, the two-year period is specifically aligned with requirements concerning documentation for payroll practices. Thus, by retaining both time cards and reports for this duration, an organization can effectively manage risk and uphold labor standards.