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 Without them, you may find yourself paying taxes again when the money is withdrawn.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®
Best shredding in the area, thank you so much. Quick and same day appointment. Best prices in town
Serafin V.2/24/2022Very quick and easy process. I got a quote from Michael. He was responsive and patient . I remembered in the last minute that I... read moreVery quick and easy process. I got a quote from Michael. He was responsive and patient . I remembered in the last minute that I put a hard drive with the papers for shredding and he had to fish for it in the shredding bin. He also shredding everything in front of me, which I really appreciated. read less
Neda A.10/08/2021Very quick and easy process. I got a quote from Michael. He was responsive and patient . I remembered in the last minute that I... read moreVery quick and easy process. I got a quote from Michael. He was responsive and patient . I remembered in the last minute that I put a hard drive with the papers for shredding and he had to fish for it in the shredding bin. He also shredding everything in front of me, which I really appreciated. read less
Neda A.10/08/2021From my first conversation with Angel, I knew this was a professional, customer oriented company. When you call you speak directly with the owner.... read moreFrom my first conversation with Angel, I knew this was a professional, customer oriented company. When you call you speak directly with the owner. Angel was thorough with service and pricing structure details. She had me set up to receive service within days. Drivers are professional, friendly, neatly dressed, and most importantly to me --they showed up when promised! Response to questions or changes to service were answered by Angel - the owner! If you are in the Bay Area looking for a certified, local shredding service, call ProShred! read less
B P.10/07/2021From my first conversation with Angel, I knew this was a professional, customer oriented company. When you call you speak directly with the owner.... read moreFrom my first conversation with Angel, I knew this was a professional, customer oriented company. When you call you speak directly with the owner. Angel was thorough with service and pricing structure details. She had me set up to receive service within days. Drivers are professional, friendly, neatly dressed, and most importantly to me --they showed up when promised! Response to questions or changes to service were answered by Angel - the owner! If you are in the Bay Area looking for a certified, local shredding service, call ProShred! read less
B P.10/07/2021I had a 40-50 boxes of very old records including Xrays that needed to be disposed of. Angel was quick to respond to all my... read moreI had a 40-50 boxes of very old records including Xrays that needed to be disposed of. Angel was quick to respond to all my inquiries. We delayed the process for more than a year due to COVID but ultimately PROSHRED came through.
Angel drove a van up to my office, helped load all the documents and even went beyond her responsibilities to assist me in getting rid of paper in 3 ring binders. It took less than 30 min and a job that had taken a year to prepare for was done!
Thanks Angel and PROSHREAD. read lessSilence B.9/15/2021I had a 40-50 boxes of very old records including Xrays that needed to be disposed of. Angel was quick to respond to all my... read moreI had a 40-50 boxes of very old records including Xrays that needed to be disposed of. Angel was quick to respond to all my inquiries. We delayed the process for more than a year due to COVID but ultimately PROSHRED came through.
Angel drove a van up to my office, helped load all the documents and even went beyond her responsibilities to assist me in getting rid of paper in 3 ring binders. It took less than 30 min and a job that had taken a year to prepare for was done!
Thanks Angel and PROSHREAD. read lessSilence B.9/15/2021
