How long must each completed statement of goods and services be kept by a funeral home?

The requirement for how long each completed statement of goods and services must be retained by a funeral home is typically influenced by both federal regulations and state laws. In Iowa, funeral homes are mandated to keep records of completed statements of goods and services for a duration of 10 years. This length of time ensures compliance with legal obligations and provides a comprehensive record for any potential audits, customer inquiries, or legal matters that may arise during or after this period.

Maintaining these records for 10 years allows funeral homes to have access to necessary documentation that supports billing, confirms what services were provided, and supports the legal rights of both the service provider and the client in case of disputes. This duration strikes a balance between sufficient record-keeping for operational and legal protections while avoiding the issues associated with holding documents indefinitely, which could lead to record management complexities.