SECTION 11. HARDCOPY RECORDS

.01 The provisions of this revenue procedure do not relieve taxpayers of their responsibility to retain hardcopy records that are created or received in the ordinary course of business as required by existing law and regulations. Hardcopy records may be retained in microfiche or microfilm format in conformity with Rev. Proc. 81–46, 1981–2 C.B. 621. Hardcopy records may also be retained in an electronic storage system in conformity with Rev. Proc. 97–22. These records are not a substitute for the machine-sensible records required to be retained by this revenue procedure.

.02 A taxpayer need not create or retain hardcopy records if:

(1) the hardcopy records are merely computer printouts created only for validation, control, or other temporary purposes;

(2) the hardcopy records are not produced in the ordinary course of transacting business (as may be the case when utilizing EDI technology); or

1998–11 I.R.B. 11 March 16, 1998

of the Assistant Commissioner (Examination). The telephone number for this office is (202)622-5480 (not a toll-free number). Written questions should be addressed to: Assistant Commissioner (Examination)

Attention: CP:EX Internal Revenue Service 1111 Constitution Ave., NW Washington, DC 20224 .02 Questions regarding the application of this revenue procedure to a specific factual situation should be directed to the appropriate District Director’s office.