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 Without them, you may find yourself paying taxes again when the money is withdrawn.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®
Awesome 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.9/24/2017This company was amazing to work with! Of all the shredding services I contacted, their customer service over the phone was the BEST! I chose... read moreThis company was amazing to work with! Of all the shredding services I contacted, their customer service over the phone was the BEST! I chose them because Angel was great in answering all my questions; she was clearly experienced and knowledgeable. But they also happened to give extraordinary service throughout, extremely affordable pricing, they were flexible and accomodating. Mike himself came out to do our data shred! This process was so simple and really put our mind at ease in disposing of sensitive material. I highly recommend! This is a long overdue review, but THANK YOU Proshred! read less
Bri N.10/27/2016Awesome service! We had 80 boxes of documents to be shredded. I contacted them yesterday morning, truck was at our office at 7:15 this morning.... read moreAwesome service! We had 80 boxes of documents to be shredded. I contacted them yesterday morning, truck was at our office at 7:15 this morning. Romero worked professionally and quickly in the pouring rain. He was done in 45 minutes. I would highly recommend them & will be using their services again next year! read less
Erin R.2/07/2017Fantastic customer service! They are reliable and professional. They offer great rates and there are never any surprises. Everything is explained thoroughly and with our... read moreFantastic customer service! They are reliable and professional. They offer great rates and there are never any surprises. Everything is explained thoroughly and with our best interests in mind. I highly recommend Proshred to anyone looking for shredding services. read less
Dotty D.6/14/2018OK, so far, soooo good! Just got off the phone w/KAT! I was fully informed and an appointment was set up for, get ready, ON... read moreOK, so far, soooo good! Just got off the phone w/KAT! I was fully informed and an appointment was set up for, get ready, ON SITE shredding!!! I LOVE this. Paper goes in the truck and, voila, will be done before they drive off!So, once the service is completed, I will be back online for a follow-up to let you know about the 'actual' experience.I am excited to get ALL this paper out of my home!mazSan Francisco read less
M.A. Z.6/20/2019We had a great experience with PROSHRED! When we need shredding services, we will be calling on them again! We will definitely recommend PROSHRED to... read moreWe had a great experience with PROSHRED! When we need shredding services, we will be calling on them again! We will definitely recommend PROSHRED to anyone we know needing these services. It was a very friendly, professional and quick process! Their rates are reasonable, and you can watch on the video screen as they shred. Couldn't have been easier to schedule. Everyone we spoke with and met was courteous, helpful, and professional. So glad we found them! read less
Lisa J.5/02/2018I called Proshred, last week, to set an appointment to have them shred about 15 boxes of old files. The following week gave me more... read moreI called Proshred, last week, to set an appointment to have them shred about 15 boxes of old files. The following week gave me more time to put everything in boxes. I had never had anything shredded before so I was wondering how to get everything to them. Mike explained that I could have a truck come to my home, I was thrilled.They showed up a little early, the gentleman was very friendly and professional, cut open all my boxes, dumped them in a large garbage can, took them out to the truck and put them through a shredded, right infront of me. I have no question about them being handled properly.This company is really easy to work with, very professional and I highly recommend them and will use them again, when I have papers to shred.Thank you, Proshred read less
Marilyn L.8/15/20182 years later and we're all still (very!) happy with our service experience w/ ProShred. Great customer service and quick communication. Angel is a dream... read more2 years later and we're all still (very!) happy with our service experience w/ ProShred. Great customer service and quick communication. Angel is a dream to work with! read less
Julia J.3/11/2019We 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.5/23/2017Excellent service from beginning to end - good pricing and so easy.I cleaned out a lot of files and had a lot of shredding to... read moreExcellent service from beginning to end - good pricing and so easy.I cleaned out a lot of files and had a lot of shredding to be done. I wanted a shredding truck to come to my home. I called about 3 companies and checked others online.Proshred in Pleasanton gave me the best price and excellent service.The person who answered the phone (owner/wife of owner) was so helpful. Thoroughly explained how much it would cost having me visualize an outside trash can. Perfect! No surprises. She was very pleasant. She made an effort to have the driver come the next day. The driver showed up on time, was very pleasant, professional and got the job done quickly. I paid the driver and got an email receipt just as I was told I would.I really like to use local businesses and this one is great. I will use them again. read less
Lynne R.8/18/2016I didn't have enough item for onsite but when I called they explained where they were located, their hours of operation and the process. The... read moreI didn't have enough item for onsite but when I called they explained where they were located, their hours of operation and the process. The process was fairly straightforward and easy. read less
Tina T.5/12/2017The 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.10/25/2019Amazing Customer Service! I called prior to heading to the Pleasanton location and was informed the price, and exactly what to do. Upon arrival, I... read moreAmazing Customer Service! I called prior to heading to the Pleasanton location and was informed the price, and exactly what to do. Upon arrival, I went into the office paid, and sent my employee around back with the banker boxes. Michael was back there and instantly started helping unload the banker boxes from the vehicle. The lady at front desk was kind enough to give me a hard copy receipt as well as allow me to take a short cut through their office and warehouse to where my employee was parked unloading the boxes. I would highly recommend this company based on customer service and timeliness. The price was great too! read less
Andi B.1/13/2017I called ProShred in the morning and was able to drop off several boxes of documents to shred right away. Very quick, convenient and close... read moreI called ProShred in the morning and was able to drop off several boxes of documents to shred right away. Very quick, convenient and close to my business. I will use again! read less
Daniel H.2/08/2018You all are fantastic and Romero is always a pleasure to have come into our office. He's always happy and friendly and accommodating of whatever... read moreYou all are fantastic and Romero is always a pleasure to have come into our office. He's always happy and friendly and accommodating of whatever we need. Thank you for the great service you provide to us. =) read less
Erin M.5/01/2019
