I've been collecting my bills (statements) for the past 6 years or so, after they've been paid. Can I ge rid of all this paperwork? Can I shred it if I don't need it? How much of it should I be keeping?
2006-12-07 16:32:50 · 5 answers · asked by wingless187 1 in Business & Finance ➔ Personal Finance
keep them if it has to do with taxes.
when i pay off a credit card i will keep the last statement saying that it is at zero balance and the letter saying i closed the account by my own choice but shred everything else.
since most of my credit has nothing to do with taxes what i do is save the twelve most recent statements. i have a filing box that i got from staples with hanging files in them for each credit card, insurance, bank statements, utilities, etc... that i pay monthly. once i pay it off i put in the most recent in the front and the last statement at the back will be last years same statement. like this months bank statement will go in the front and i will be able to take december 2005 from the back and shred it.
you should also shred your check book carbon copies once the check clears from your bank.
hope this helps!
2006-12-07 16:48:05 · answer #1 · answered by Jessy 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Keep it for as long as you need it. For example, if these statements may be supporting documentation for business expenses you are claiming on your tax returns, you should keep at least the last 3 years worth of statements.
If you are going to get rid of them, by all means make sure you shred it before you toss it, otherwise someone might be able to get their hands on it either in your trash or at the dump and then they would have enough info to possibly steal your identity.
2006-12-07 16:38:01 · answer #2 · answered by jseah114 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, shred them and just keep the most recent bill on hand. Really, have you ever needed a bill that wasn't the last copy?
Unless you're running a business or rent part of your home, otherwise using your bills every tax season to get a refund, ther'es no reason ot have thhis trash on hand.
2006-12-07 21:23:37 · answer #3 · answered by antsam999 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I only keep bills until I get the next months bill in the mail showing they recieved my last payment. I cannot imagine where your keeping 6 years worth of bills.
2006-12-07 16:41:59 · answer #4 · answered by freakyallweeky 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
get of them
2006-12-07 16:40:02 · answer #5 · answered by askance 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋