Adoption papers
Beneficiary designations
Birth & Death certificates
Car Titles
Custody agreements
Deeds <property> & mortgage information
Divorce papers
Hard to replace papers
Health records
Income tax returns<supporting documentation may be destroyed after seven years> <keep all W-2s until you begin receiving social security benefits to prove your earnings in case of a discrepancy … be sure to check your annual social security statement to be sure the information is accurate>
Loans that have been paid off <canceled notes or other evidence>
Marriage certificates
Military discharge records
Passports & citizenship papers
Powers of attorney<Make sure the executor and/or your attorney has a copy of your wills and trusts and powers of attorney>
Record of any governmental employment <military>
Records of investments
Social Security cards
Stock / bond / mutual funds certificates <save buy and sell confirmation records as long as you own the stock, etc. You’ll need them to figure how much you owe in capital gains when you sell the stock. Also save monthly statements showing reinvested dividends, stock splits and other changes in your investment. You can discard monthly statements if you get a year-end summary statement. Keep the year end statement indefinitely. For both mutual funds and stocks, discard all but the most recent shareholder reports.>
Wills & trusts
Things to keep for awhile:
Bank statements<file with tax papers if related to deductions><keep at least 3 month’s statements if going for a loan>
Canceled checks<file with tax papers if related to deductions>
Credit card statements<file with tax papers if related to deductions><When you receive a bill, it usually indicates whether your previous payment was received. If that information is correct, you don’t need to save the previous month's bill.> <exception: your credit card bill will provide proof of purchase if you can’t find the sales receipt>
Insurance papers<until new policy arrives>
List of previous employers
Mortgage records<Mortgage bills can be discarded as soon as you get confirmation your payment has been received. Most mortgage companies provide a year-end summary. Keep it as long as you own your home.>
Owners’ manuals & receipts for major purchases<keep until item is discarded>
Pay stubs<until you get your year-end W2 form. Keep your final pay stub each year indefinitely, to give you a handy record of your earnings and deductions.>
Photographic or video record of house and household contents<until updated again>
Receipts for major purchases as long as you still own the item
Sales receipts for warranty purchase<attach to warranty>
Tax related items<Please refer to your tax agent for specific retention guidelines>
Utility statements until the next month's statement arrives<if not claiming a home office deduction>
Warranties and extended service agreements<until expiration>
What you can safely throw away/shred:
Expired insurance policies
Non-tax related canceled checks & receipts <once you have reconciled bank and credit card statements>
Owners’ manuals and warranties for appliances and cars you no longer own