Timekeeping and Recording Guidelines

Employers must keep payroll records on file for at least four years at the place of employment or at a central location within California. You must maintain the required payroll records in ink or in other indelible form, and the records must be properly dated, showing the month, day and year. You must also maintain an accurate record of employees' hours of work and compensation.

Every employer is required by law to keep accurate information about each employee, including the following:¹

• Full name, home address, occupation and Social Security number.