Looking to clean up your files? There are various rules for individuals and businesses on how long you should hold on to your sales receipts, income tax returns, credit card statements, medical bills etc. Be sure you’re aware of what you should be holding on to before you go ahead and throw things away.

What should I keep?

For individuals:

• Credit card statements should be kept for one month after they are verified on your monthly statement (4 years if you’re self-employed).
• Copies of income tax returns should be kept permanently.
• Pay stubs should be kept until reconciled with your W-2.
• You should keep sales receipts for the life of the warranty, and the warranty should be kept for the life of the product.
• Wills and other legal records should be kept permanently.

For businesses:

• Deeds and mortgages should be kept permanently.
• Cancelled checks should be kept for 7 years; HOWEVER if they’re for important payments like tax payments or land purchases—keep those forever.
• Shareholder basis schedules should be kept permanently.
• Retain time cards for hourly employees for 4 years

Download our Record Retention Guide for more information on what businesses and individuals should be keeping or throwing away this year.

Questions? Contact us.