How to Know Which Records to Keep and Why

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Know Which Records to Keep and Why

How to Know Which Records to Keep and Why

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Step 1 of 7
No, not these records, but . . .

No, not these records, but . . .

Step 2 of 7
Hope this is not your record keeping system - entirely too many! So, what do you keep?

Hope this is not your record keeping system - entirely too many! So, what do you keep?

Step 3 of 7

WHAT ARE RECORDS? Sales slips, receipts of payments, brokerage statements, cancelled checks, and any form that verifies a number on your tax return.

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HOW LONG DO I KEEP THEM? It varies. For a sales slip of a consumer item, as long as he guarantee lasts. For tax related items, the safest answer is 7 years. Keep closing statements on homes forever.

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It is suggested that you keep your income tax returns for at least the previous 7 years. However, if you have the space, keep them for fun reading! Remember, you can get prior returns from IRS - for $

Step 6 of 7
No need to keep utility bills or grocery receipts - you are not an archivist, or are you? Consider converting photos to digitized files.

No need to keep utility bills or grocery receipts - you are not an archivist, or are you? Consider converting photos to digitized files.

Step 7 of 7
But, if you have the space, keep it all, somewhere. You will make the archeologists of 5,000 years from now "happy campers."

But, if you have the space, keep it all, somewhere. You will make the archeologists of 5,000 years from now "happy campers."

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Retired Federal employee. Currently part time income tax preparer. Six fantastic grandchildren.

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6 Comments
Supplies

Know which records to keep

Know why to keep them

Your own retention system

Terri Dahlgren

Thanks Mike, I just might try that.

Terri Dahlgren 10 months ago

Mike Turvey

Terri - there may be other guides,the only one I found is "How to use Snapguide" by Tabitha Johnson. It is somewhat intuitive when you get started. Just make a draft one first - you don't need to publish it. Pick something you are quite familiar with like a favorite recipe. Use photos from your iPAD and add descriptions. Give it a try - good luck!

(author) 10 months ago

Terri Dahlgren

My kinda guy. Mike I'm honored that you r following me, but there's nothing to follow. I haven't made a Guide because I don't know how and I know there are more things that u can do but I can't seem to be able to find a Guide to the Guide:)

Terri Dahlgren 10 months ago

Mike Turvey

Terri - it's how I survived 33 years. Thanks!

(author) 10 months ago

Terri Dahlgren

You're pretty fun for a government GUY! :) just me t

Terri Dahlgren 10 months ago

Felicia Gustin

Great guide! I used to save every bill I paid!

Felicia Gustin 11 months ago

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Janet Horton

When I commented on the tax record guide you wrote, I forgot that I already had this one yesterday. As Ozzie Osborn allegedly said : Of all the things I've lost I miss my mind the most. Any way, thanks for keeping the basics simple.

Janet Horton 4 months ago