Keep records for 3 years from the date you filed your original return or 2 years from the date you paid the tax, whichever is later, if you file a claim for credit or refund after you file your return. Keep records for 7 years if you file a claim for a loss from worthless securities or bad debt deduction.

How long should you keep bill payment records?

In these cases, keep them for at least three years. Pay Stubs: Match them to your W-2 once a year and then shred them. Utility Bills: Hold on to them for a maximum of one year. Tax Returns and Tax Receipts: Just like tax-related credit card statements, keep these on file for at least three years.

How long should you keep bills and statements?

Hold the returns and supporting documents for at least seven years. The IRS can randomly audit you three years after you file — or six years afterward if it thinks you skipped out on reporting your income by at least 25%.

What papers to save and what to throw away?

What Documents Can I Throw Away—and When?

• Tax Returns. Old tax documents are probably the number one category of documents we’re asked about.
• Bank Statements.
• Explanation of Benefits (EOB) Forms.
• Medical Bills.
• Utility Bills.
• Paycheck Stubs.
• Credit Card Statements.
• Wills and Estate Planning Documents.

What papers should I keep and for how long?

To be on the safe side, McBride says to keep all tax records for at least seven years. Keep forever. Records such as birth and death certificates, marriage licenses, divorce decrees, Social Security cards, and military discharge papers should be kept indefinitely.

What records need to be kept for 7 years?

Keep records for 7 years if you file a claim for a loss from worthless securities or bad debt deduction. Keep records for 6 years if you do not report income that you should report, and it is more than 25% of the gross income shown on your return. Keep records indefinitely if you do not file a return.

Do I need to keep old bills?

What financial records and paperwork can you throw away? You should probably keep hold of credit card and bank statements for a year but you can throw away other household paperwork like utility bills.

Should I shred utility bills?

Credit card statements and utility bills are documents that should be high on anyone’s list for shredding. Bills of that nature tend to have very sensitive information. So once payment is confirmed and you no longer need to reference that bill, make sure the document is destroyed.

How long should you keep household bills?

Generally speaking, hang onto bills and bank statements for at least two years, and insurance documents as long as they are valid.

Is it safe to throw away old bank statements?

All they need is access to your old mail, credit cards, and debit cards. ” Bank statements, credit card statements and other documents that contain your personal information should never be disposed of in an insecure manner,” says Debbie Guild, chief security officer at PNC Financial Services Group, Inc.

What important papers should I keep?

Important papers to save forever include:

• Birth certificates.
• Social Security cards.
• Marriage certificates.
• Adoption papers.
• Death certificates.
• Passports.
• Wills and living wills.
• Powers of attorney.

What documents should you never throw away?

NEVER Throw Away These Documents

• Birth/death certificate.
• Marriage license.
• Social security card.
• Military discharge papers.
• Divorce decree.
• Passport(s)
• Property deeds.
• Titles to vehicle(s), boat(s), etc.

How can I get rid of old bank statements without a shredder?

How to Dispose of Documents Without a Shredder

1. 1 – Shred Them by Hand.
2. 2 – Burn Them.
3. 3 – Add Them to Your Compost.
4. 4 – Use Multi-Cut Scissors.
5. 5 – Soak Them in Water.
6. 6 – Wait for a Local Shred Day.
7. 7 – Use a Local Paper Shredding Service.

Is there any reason to keep old bank statements?

Keep them as long as needed to help with tax preparation or fraud/dispute resolution. And maintain files securely for at least seven years if you’ve used your statements to support information you’ve included in your tax return.

How long should I keep credit card statements?

The IRS retains the right to audit anyone’s financial history for up to six years. In this case, it’s wise to keep credit card statements for at least three years, preferably six if there is a very high risk of audit.

How long should I keep medical bills?

Medical Bills How long to keep: One to three years. Keep receipts for medical expenses for one year, as your insurance company may request proof of a doctor visit or other verification of medical claims.