YOu should keep bank statement for 7 years, in case you get audited
As long as you have an account with a bank they should be able to cash checks free of charge. Bank of America always cashes mine for free.
every time you use a check just in case
As soon as it clears from the bank,than it can be tossed,the bank as it on file.
Five years before it goes to the state, but the bank should send you a letter of warning first prior to sending the funds to the state.
For one, employees can not hold their checks resulting in a long list of outstanding checks on your bank reconciliation.
Checks usually have a validity of 90 or 180 days (depending on the country) and after that date, the check is stale and worthless. No bank will accept such checks for cashing or cash it. Since it has no value it is considered to be stale. No bank will actually cash a stale check.
for ever
Usually your local bank is the best place to get personal checks. Most local banks will get you personal checks for free or close to free, as long as you don't want anything fancy on your checks.
6 years is best...
At least as long as the IRS requires records of transactions, 7+ years
Call the bank and get the routing number from them. Otherwise, it is the first long number on the bottom of your checks.