Which Documents Should You Shred, and When?

As the spring cleaning bug hits, many of us will finally be tackling those stacks of paperwork that have been piling up throughout the year. It’s tempting to chuck it all in the recycle bin and be done with it. However, did you know that it’s actually legal for someone to dig through your trash/recycling once it hits the curb? What’s more, seemingly innocuous documents—like junk mail—can actually contain sensitive info to help someone steal your identity. Scroll down for our list of what you should shred and when (pssst…you can bring it all to our free shredding event happening on Saturday, April 20th, 2024 from 9am-2pm!).

Shred Immediately

Expired IDs & records: passports, driver’s licenses, old insurance cards, identification cards/badges, etc.
Utility and credit card bills that have been paid
Receipts not needed for tax deductions or warranties
ATM receipts
Resumes that are no longer needed
Junk mail credit card offers
Address labels from junk mail and magazines
Any unneeded documents containing your address, signature, social security number, PIN, passwords, account numbers, medical records, or other sensitive/private information you wouldn’t want publicly shared

Shred Within a Year

Paycheck stubs, once you’ve confirmed the info matches your W-2
Bank statements
Monthly/quarterly retirement statements (keep annual summaries until you retire or close the account)
Medical bills that have been paid

Shred After 6 Years

Records from home or condo sales

Shred After 7 Years

Tax returns
W-2 and 1099 forms
Mortgage interest statements
Property tax records
Statements, cancelled checks, and receipts used as documentation for tax deductions

Do NOT Shred – But Do Store Securely

Keep these items indefinitely in a locked filing cabinet/room, safe, or safe deposit box:

Social Security cards
Birth certificates
Adoption papers
Current passports or citizenship documentation
Marriage and divorce records
Death certificates of family members
Deeds & titles for property/automobiles for as long as you own them

While these tips are helpful, they can’t replace the advice of a tax professional. Consult an expert if you have questions.

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