Keep and Shred Suggestions
- Tax returns: The IRS has three years to challenge information in your tax return and six years to conduct an audit based on unreported income. Keep tax returns and supporting records, such as W-2s and 1099s, for at least seven years in a secure place, such as a lock-box.
- Investment statements for taxable accounts: Most brokerage firms and mutual fund companies send annual statements summarizing the year’s transactions. Once you have these, you should shred your monthly and/or quarterly statements with a confetti-cut shredder.
- Bank statements: Keep statements that back up information on your tax returns for up to seven years. Other bank statements can be shredded after reviewing for errors or unauthorized charges.
- Credit card statements: Keep statements for major purchases, like jewelry or large appliances in case the statements are needed for warranty documentation. If you put charitable contributions on your credit card, keep the statement for your tax records. Other monthly statements can be shredded once you’ve reviewed them for errors or unauthorized purchases.
- Unsolicited, Pre-approved credit applications: Unless you plan to take the offer, shred these documents.
- Pay stubs: While many people recommend saving these, it’s really a mistake. Pay stubs contain everything an identity thief needs to open an account. Keep three months of history only if you are planning to apply for a mortgage.
- ATM receipts: Shred all receipts after you check your bank statement for errors or unauthorized charges.
- Canceled checks: Unless they are needed for tax returns or other documentation purposes, canceled checks should be destroyed after one year.
- Retirement plan contributions: Keep records of contributions to non-deductible individual retirement accounts, such as a Roth IRA, indefinitely. Without them, you may find yourself paying taxes again when the money is withdrawn. Some financial institutions keep records of IRA contributions, but it’s best not to count on it.
- Insurance policies, wills and other legal documents: These documents should be kept indefinitely in a secure place, such as a lock-box.
What People Are Saying About PROSHRED®
My experience with PROSHRED was amazing! Frederick was a delight - called me in advance before arriving at my apartment and handled everything with grace... read moreMy experience with PROSHRED was amazing! Frederick was a delight - called me in advance before arriving at my apartment and handled everything with grace and humor. I went from worrying about what to do with all my old files (before a move) on a Monday to complete ease on Thursday. I could not be happier!P.S. The Monday in question was Presidents' Day, and Mike, the CEO, picked up the phone, answered all my questions, and scheduled a pick-up for Thursday. Simply dreamy service! read less
Meg M.2/24/2017Dang that was easy. I pull up to the back where I figured I'd have to anyway and see a gentleman getting into his van.... read moreDang that was easy. I pull up to the back where I figured I'd have to anyway and see a gentleman getting into his van. I pull up and ask if this is where the drop off to shred is. He cheerfully climbed out of his van, greets me and introduces himself. Mike was cool, gave me a price on my 5 boxes, helped me dump them into the bin, made them go away, swiped my card and I was on my way. Seriously, what more do you need? Well done Mike. read less
Edward H.3/11/2019I am so thankful to a friend of mine for referring me to Angel and Michael and Proshred. They are very professional and friendly. We... read moreI am so thankful to a friend of mine for referring me to Angel and Michael and Proshred. They are very professional and friendly. We will certainly recommend them to others who are in need of secured shredding services. read less
Leilani S.9/08/2017Awesome service. Mike was friendly and answered all my questions thoroughly. Hard drive destruction especially impressive. Have used others and Pro-shred my top choice. Highly recommend.
Gustavo S.9/24/2017Yup just as they had said! Come in, pu the stuff to shred, put it in the giant shredding truck, and (here's the cool part)... read moreYup just as they had said! Come in, pu the stuff to shred, put it in the giant shredding truck, and (here's the cool part) you can watch your stuff be shredded via a vid cam! absolutely would use again.TIP: it is a $100.00/10 boxes/bags (ask some friends if they have something to shred. I only had 6 bag/boxes and was too late to have others add theirs in). read less
M.A. Z.7/16/2020Our shredding service sold to another Company and that service was awful. Had seen the Proshred trucks in my area and gave them a... read moreOur shredding service sold to another Company and that service was awful. Had seen the Proshred trucks in my area and gave them a call and spoke to Mike who couldn't have been more accommodating. So glad I called them as their customer service has been exceptional. Our driver always greets us, has a smile on his face and just a pleasure to work with. Highly recommend. read less
Sandy P.9/12/2018We are relocating and wanted a one time shredding service. I spoke with Angel who fully explained their services and we opted to have the... read moreWe are relocating and wanted a one time shredding service. I spoke with Angel who fully explained their services and we opted to have the onsite visit. One the day of the service I was given a window when the truck would arrive and it did so - a little early which was nice - and Todd removed, what took weeks to pile up, within a matter of minutes. Extremely helpful and friendly.An all around excellent experience. They do what they say, when they say they're going to do it, for the price they say they're going to do it for. With efficiency and a smile.I'm managing our relocation and dealing with multiple vendors. I could only wish they were all as easy to deal with as Proshred!! read less
Roger W.2/20/2020The experience was seamless and easy. They were on time and very concise about the security of shredding my business documents.Thank you for your help Proshred!
Anthony A.10/25/2019Super awesome company! Used them for first time this last week. Booking was super fast and the owner herself calls you, no-nonsense, no hidden fees.... read moreSuper awesome company! Used them for first time this last week. Booking was super fast and the owner herself calls you, no-nonsense, no hidden fees. Guy came to me today. 22 boxes & a hard drive & seriously a great price! They are green and don't charge by box, charges by the trash bin. I filled 2 & not even a 1/4 of a third. Was on time, done in 20 minutes. Super rad. Left me all my boxes so I can go back and fill them up as I need, but hopefully I won't need them all, as I've gone green in the last 9 years!Fredrick was extremely nice & professional, even at 7 am!! Will definitely use them again. read less
Traci H.10/19/2017We host an annual Shred Event for our real restate business and this locally owned business is the type of partner we want. Professional, well... read moreWe host an annual Shred Event for our real restate business and this locally owned business is the type of partner we want. Professional, well run, the best equipment and trucks, friendly employees, on time - this is how you do it! Thank you Mike and keep up the great work!! read less
Greg S.5/23/2017Just like the other reviewers have said... this is such great business for the residential customer. I had some boxes of old business papers that... read moreJust like the other reviewers have said... this is such great business for the residential customer. I had some boxes of old business papers that needed shredding and didn't want to throw out. Shredding a few at a time would take like a year! I called and Angel confirmed someone would be there (because I drove out from Tracy). I showed up and 7 bankers boxes got dumped into a bin faster than I could break down the boxes for recycling! There's a recycling bin near by for cardboard boxes too. Michael unloaded for me so I didn't even have to lift anything. The cost was extremely reasonable! Very friendly service. Thank you! read less
Mike W.7/05/2017Best thing I ever did! Owners Angel and Michael were extremely responsive and helpful. Service was easy to schedule and reasonably priced. Todd was the... read moreBest thing I ever did! Owners Angel and Michael were extremely responsive and helpful. Service was easy to schedule and reasonably priced. Todd was the truck/shredder operator and was prompt, polite and helpful. He showed me a screen I could watch to see all my shredding happen live! I'd definitely do it again should the need arise and would absolutely recommend them!! read less
Stacey M.11/27/2019We do an annual Shred Event for our real estate business, and this Pro Shred operation is the perfect business partner. Locally owned, Mike and... read moreWe do an annual Shred Event for our real estate business, and this Pro Shred operation is the perfect business partner. Locally owned, Mike and his crew run a top notch business. Professional, the best trucks and equipment, always on time, everyone is so friendly - this is why we love and support local businesses. Keep up the great work! read less
Carol5/23/2017I have to arrange shredding for clients who are serviced in many locations. Proshred San Francisco Bay Area gives them amazing service at great value... read moreI have to arrange shredding for clients who are serviced in many locations. Proshred San Francisco Bay Area gives them amazing service at great value which gives me peace of mind. I have no hesitation recommending them to any of my clients. read less
S D Bryerman1/31/2016I just came from Proshred in Pleasanton, was greeted so warmly and kindly by the receptionist, gave me instructions on what to do, drove to... read moreI just came from Proshred in Pleasanton, was greeted so warmly and kindly by the receptionist, gave me instructions on what to do, drove to the back of building, was greeted by the owner, I believe April was her name and she was so kind, informing and professional. She took care of the process and reasonably priced, for sure my go to place from now on. read less
A Google User6/04/2019
