diff --git a/tasklib/backends.py b/tasklib/backends.py
index c6e87d5..e396a37 100644
--- a/tasklib/backends.py
+++ b/tasklib/backends.py
@@ -362,6 +362,13 @@ def save_task(self, task):
     def delete_task(self, task):
         self.execute_command([task['uuid'], 'delete'])
 
+    def purge_task(self, task):
+        """
+        Permanently remove the task.  This causes data loss.
+        """
+        self.execute_command([task['uuid'], 'delete'])
+        self.execute_command([task['uuid'], 'purge'])
+
     def start_task(self, task):
         self.execute_command([task['uuid'], 'start'])