Personal Records to Retain Permanently

• Alimony, custody, or prenuptial agreements
• Birth and death certificates
• List of financial assets
• Records of major improvements/maintenance to home
• Retirement account records
• IRA statements
• Life insurance policies
• Medical records
• Military records

Personal Records to Retain for 3 Years:

• Bank statements
• Cancelled checks
• Real estate documents (3-6 years after property is disposed of and taxes are paid)

Personal Records to Retain for 7 Years:

• 401K/Keogh statements
• Annuity year end statements
• Certificates of deposit statements
• 1099 Forms
• W2
• Other insurance policies (not life insurance)
• Loan records/Form 1098
• Major purchase receipts
• Investment or sale of stocks and bonds
• Income tax returns
• Credit card purchase receipts

Special Circumstances:

• Charitable contributions–keep with applicable tax return
• Pay stubs–discard all but final cumulative pay stub for end of year

Documents & Forms