Birth, Marriage and Death Certificates.  Separation or divorce agreements, and adoption papers.  Passports.  Copy of will and health care proxy.  IRA and retirement account beneficiary designations.  Current insurance policies.

 

 

Federal, state & local income tax returns.  Includes receipts for business expenses, charitable contributions, and canceled checks for any tax-deductible expenses.  Most cases, you need to keep for 3 years from the due date of the return.  Exception:  the IRS can go back 6 years if it believes you've underreported your income by more than 25%.  Also, records regarding worthless stock writoff need to be maintained for 7 years also.

 

 

Monthly statements from bank, broker, mutual funds and 401(k)

Investment papers confirming bought, sold, or transferred holdings

Paystubs (can be shredded once you've received your W2 and verified it's accuracy.

Credit Card Statements:  if they list tax deductible expenses or charitable gifts, keep with tax papers.   

Utility and telephone bills:  Shred once you've received confirmation of payment (unless deducted for business or home office, in that case, keep with tax papers)

ATM receipts, deposit slips:  Shred as soon as the transaction appears in your bank account