Is it the original or the copy that you "Keep for Your Records"? See detail.

When I applied to be a cook in the military they wanted originals. Like high school transcripts. All other times I would keep my originals.

I mean if the document is the organization’s, not another organization’s. For example IRS in USA.

@flo Sorry I don’t understand?

In your example there are 2 organizations, (the school, and the military) and you. But in the IRS example in my post it’s just between you and IRS. So, re. the forms when you do your taxes, is it the copy that says “keep for your records” or the original? And let’s say they reverse it starting next yr., ( the original that says “keep for your records”). Why would it make more sense like that, if it does?

@flo I don’t know? I would ask them. Hopefully you have good music while being on hold for whatever length of time that they put you on hold. Sorry that I could not help you more. Edited

@RedDeerGuy1 IRS was just an example, just because most people on this site seem to be From USA. I’ve never come across an IRS form.

@flo Ahh. I would keep the originals, unless asked to give them. Edited Yes It seems intuitive to do so.

@RedDeerGuy1 Ok. I was just trying to find out what the logic is behind each way.

One files the original tax return with the IRS. That is the one that counts and is a formal legal submission. It is the one you sign. You can photocopy it before you mail it in, that you can keep for yourself.

If you sign a document, a lease, or a sales contract, those are the ones you file or give to the other party. You can keep a copy for your records.

You mail the original correspondence and keep the copy. Same for most any business or tax document.

I usually keep the original unless it’s specified that I have to turn over the original. Although, if not specified I might keep the copy for myself, it really depends what I’m signing and doing.

There can be multiple “originals” in some circumstances. Like when you sign closing papers when you buy a house, you sign two of everything, sometimes more, so all parties have originals.

As far as the IRS they require originals fir some things, but will take e-filing for other things. I assume eventually the IRS will let go if requiring originals for anything.

Many institutions require “original” birth certificates and death certificates. You can buy multiple originals.

More and more original signatures are less important. That’s different than original documents provided by a government agency.

Ok, but why is “keep this for your records” on the original more correct, than on the copy or if it is vise versa?