According to the income tax regulations, how long must employers retain payroll records?

Employers are required to retain payroll records for a minimum of three years as per income tax regulations. This three-year period is significant because it aligns with the statute of limitations for the IRS to audit payroll records. Keeping these records for this duration ensures that employers have the necessary documentation to support their reported wages, taxes withheld, and other payroll-related information in case of any inquiries or audits. Retaining payroll records excessively beyond this timeframe can often lead to unnecessary clutter and administrative burden, while keeping them for less time would risk non-compliance with regulatory requirements.