Record Retention Guideline

*This is only a guideline. Please consult CPA for advice on your specific situation.

Keep till warranty expires or can no longer return or exchange

• Sales Receipts
• What to keep for 1 month
• ATM Printouts and discard after balancing your checkbook
• Utility Bills
• Credit Card Receipts
• Other monthly bills

What to keep for 1 year

• Paycheck Stubs to compare to your W2 & annual social security statement
• Bank Statements
• Quarterly Investment Statements to compare to annual statement

What to keep for 3 years (7 years if self-employed)

• Income Tax Returns
• Receipts, and other Documents that Support Income or a Deduction on your
• Tax Return
• Medical Bills and Cancelled Insurance Policies
• Records of Selling a House for Capital Gains Tax
• Records of Selling a Stock for Capital Gains Tax
• Annual Investment Statement
• Home Improvement Records for a sold asset

What to keep for 7 years

• Records of Satisfied Loans
• What to hold while active
• Contracts
• Insurance Documents
• Stock Certificates
• Property Records
• Stock Records
• Records of Pensions and Retirement Plans
• Property Tax Records Disputed Bills
• Keep Forever in a safe or safe deposit box
• Marriage Licenses
• Birth Certificates, Divorce Certificates, Death Certificates
• Wills/Trusts
• Adoption Papers
• Passports
• Auto Titles/Home Deeds and Real Estate Certificates
• Insurance Policies
• Stocks and Bond Certificates
• Medical and Burial Directions, Power of Attorney forms