Records should serve some useful purpose to
warrant a place in the family filing system. Generally">
Records should serve some useful purpose to
warrant a place in the family filing system. Generally">
Records should serve some useful purpose to
warrant a place in the family filing system. Generally">
Records should serve some useful purpose to
warrant a place in the family filing system. Generally, records
serve one of three functions: Provide
evidence of some significant event in an individual's life
such as a birth, death or marriage. Provide proof
of ownership in cases of loss such as fire or theft or, in
cases of benefits and services provided by warranties, etc. Provide a
record of activities such as those related to financial
matters (budgeting, investing and determining tax
liabilities) and those related to personal matters (health
records, passports, etc.). When deciding whether to discard some paper,
consider if you are likely to need the information in the future
and, if so, whether it could be obtained from another source
quickly, easily, and inexpensively. Personal and family record storage Where How long Birth, marriage and death certificates Safe deposit box or fireproof home
storage Permanently Adoption and custody papers Safe deposit box or fireproof home
storage Permanently Citizenship papers Safe deposit box or fireproof home
storage Permanently Divorce and separation papers Safe deposit box or fireproof home
storage Permanently Property settlement agreements Safe deposit box or fireproof home
storage Permanently Military papers Safe deposit box or fireproof home
storage Permanently Will Signed original with probate division
of circuit court or safe deposit box (if jointly rented)
and a copy in the home file As long as it is in effect Passports Home storage or safe deposit box Until replaced Social security card Carry card; stub in a home storage box Permanently Diplomas, transcripts Home storage or safe deposit box Permanently Medical history Home file Permanently; update as needed Employment records Home file Permanently
Inventory
of valuable papers Home file and a copy with a trusted
family member or friend and advisers Permanently; update at least annually Property record storage Where How long Real property deeds, title papers,
abstracts, mortgage and other lien documents (include
rental property) Safe deposit box Duration of ownership or longer if
needed for tax purposes Burial lot deed Safe deposit box Duration of ownership Tax assessment notices, purchase
contracts, records of capital improvements (including
rental property) Safe deposit box Duration of ownership or longer if
needed for tax purposes (usually up to six years) Motor vehicle titles, purchase
receipts, licenses and registration Safe deposit box Duration of ownership Records of auto service/repair Home file Duration of ownership Jewelry and other valuable items Safe deposit box if safety of family
may be threatened if kept in home Duration of ownership Inventory of household goods and
appraisals (including rental property) Safe deposit box; copy in the home
file Permanently; update at least once a
year Financial record storage Where How long Stocks, bonds and other securities Safe deposit box; listing in the home
file Duration of ownership or longer if
needed for tax purposes (usually up to six years) Bank accounts, account registers and
statements Home file Duration of ownership or longer if
needed for tax purposes (usually six years) Canceled checks Home file for non tax-deductible
expenditures Three years minimum Savings certificates Safe deposit box; listing in the home
file Duration of ownership or longer if
needed for tax purposes (usually six years) List of credit cards, credit
contracts, loan agreements, records of credit payments and
account statements Home file Duration of the account or obligation
or longer if needed for tax purposes (usually six years) Insurance policies and records of
claims made and paid Home file with a list of policies in
the safe deposit box Permanently; update as needed Copies of past tax returns Safe deposit box or fireproof home
storage Six years minimum Receipts and records of deductible
expenses, income and tax payments Home file (current); fireproof home
storage after filing taxes Six years minimum
Records
you should keep.
Records
you should keep.
Records
you should keep.