|
Type of Record
|
How Long to
Hold Record
|
Suggested
Storage Places
|
|
Family Papers: birth, marriage, death certificates, school transcripts, divorce papers, etc.
|
Indefinitely
|
Safe Deposit Box
|
|
Health Records: copies of forms showing hospital stays, immunizations, etc.
|
Indefinitely
|
Home Files
|
|
Tax Records: returns and supporting documents
|
Six Years
(required by the government)
|
Home Files
|
|
Property Records: titles, mortgages, deeds, loan agreements, etc.
|
The duration of property ownership plus several years for proof of loan payments
|
Originals in Safe Deposit Box; Copies in Home Files
|
|
Estate Records: wills, burial instructions, etc.
|
Indefinitely
|
Originals with lawyer; Copies in Safe Deposit Box and Home Files
|
|
Home Improvement Records: contracts, records of costs, etc.
|
Until home is sold and tax liability settled.
|
Home Files; Copies in Safe Deposit Box
|
|
Bank and Savings Account Records: registers, cancelled checks, receipts, etc.
|
CD's until mature, others until tax matters are settled
|
CD's and account list in Safe Deposit Box. Ledger and checks in Home Files
|
|
Credit Records: list of credit cards, records of payment, etc.
|
Until account balance is $0 or until after tax deductions are settled
|
Home Files
|
|
Investment Records: cancelled checks, securities, buy and sell orders, etc.
|
Three years past sale for taxes; Indefinitely for retirement
|
Originals in Safe Deposit Box; Copies in Home Files
|
|
Assets and Liabilities Records: property owned, insurance coverage, taxes, etc.
|
Update Annually
|
Home Files; Copies in Safe Deposit Box
|
|
Government Records: passport, Social Security card, etc.
|
Indefinitely
|
Social Security card in wallet; all else in Safe Deposit Box
|
|
Warranties: contracts and proofs of purchases
|
As long as you own the item
|
Home Files
|
|
Insurance Records: policies and household inventory
|
Four years after expirations of policy. Update annually
|
Originals at home, copies and inventory list in Safe Deposit Box
|
|
Safe Deposit Box Inventory
|
Indefinitely
|
Home Files
|
