Organizing >
Paperwork > Records
PERSONAL RECORDS to Keep forever
income tax returns
income tax payment checks
investment trade confirmations
important correspondence
legal records
retirement and pension records
CPA audit reports
note: consult your accountant before getting rid of any financial paperwork
note: please consult your attorney before getting rid of any legal paperwork
PERSONAL RECORDS (KEEP SIX YEARS)
supporting documents for tax returns
accident reports and claims
medical bills (if tax-related)
property records / improvement receipts (if tax-related)
sales receipts (if tax-related)
utility records (if tax-related)
other bills (if tax-related)
note: consult your accountant before getting rid of any financial paperwork
note: consult your attorney before getting rid of any legal paperwork
PERSONAL RECORDS (KEEP THREE YEARS)
credit card statements
medical bills (in case of insurance disputes)
utility records (for internal use)
expired insurance policies
note: consult your accountant before getting rid of any financial paperwork
note: consult your attorney before getting rid of any legal paperwork
SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES
car records (keep until the car is sold)
credit card receipts (keep until verified on your statement)
insurance policies (keep for the life of the policy)
mortgages / deeds / leases (keep 6 years beyond the agreement)
pay stubs (keep until reconciled with your W-2)
property records / improvement receipts (keep until property sold)
sales receipts (keep for life of the warranty)
stock and bond records (keep for 6 years beyond selling)
warranties and instructions (keep for the life of the product)
other bills (keep until payment is verified on the next bill)
note: consult your accountant before getting rid of any financial paperwork
note: consult your attorney before getting rid of any legal paperwork
Document Locator Checklist
A DOCUMENT LOCATOR ... WHAT IS IT?
A DOCUMENT LOCATOR
makes things easier on your loved ones. It
lists where all of your important papers are stored. It gives the
location of each (address, directions, and important contact info)
if you are incapacitated or die and
helps others take care of your affairs for you.
BANKING RECORDS
trusts
loans
list of accounts
statements and cancelled checks
checkbook / passbook
safe deposit box and key
BUSINESS PAPERWORK
incorporation papers
contracts and agreements
computer backup
trademarks, patents, copyrights, and licenses
CONTACTS
friends
relatives
business
attorney
CPA
insurance agent
financial advisor / investment broker
executor
DEEDS, TITLES, AND REGISTRATIONS
title insurance
property
home inventory
vehicles
FAMILY RECORDS
birth certificates
adoption papers
guardianship / custody documents
social security cards
proof of citizenship
marriage license
divorce decree
military service records
personal paperwork
FUNERAL INSTRUCTIONS
burial or cremation instructions
cemetery plot deeds
service
grave marker
INSURANCE
life
other death benefits
property and casualty
health
homeowners or renters
auto
INVESTMENT PAPERWORK
CDs
securities
stock and bonds
mutual funds
retirement plan
IRA
annuities
LEGAL DOCUMENTS
wills
powers of attorney
trust documents
special bequests
safe combination |
