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How long must employers preserve payroll records required by the FLSA?

  1. One year

  2. Three years

  3. Five years

  4. Indefinitely

The correct answer is: Three years

Employers must preserve payroll records required by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) for a minimum of three years. This duration is established to ensure that there is adequate documentation for the proper enforcement of wage and hour laws, allowing regulatory agencies to verify compliance with minimum wage and overtime provisions. Maintaining payroll records for this period is essential for employers to defend against possible claims of wage violations. While one year may be related to certain other employment records like termination records, it doesn't meet the broader requirements set by the FLSA. Five years or indefinitely may seem overly cautious, as the law specifically designates three years as the necessary timeframe for payroll records, streamlining the record-keeping duties for employers in compliance with federal regulations. This three-year preservation period balances the need for accountability with practical considerations for business operations.