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How long to keep documents
Pick a household document to see how long it's commonly kept, where to store it, and why. These are general guidelines based on IRS and consumer agency guidance; some situations call for keeping records longer. Nothing is stored.
How long to keep it
While you own the home, plus at least 3 years after the sale is reported
Where to keep it
One "home" folder, scanned too.
Why
Improvements can raise your cost basis and lower the taxable gain.
Read the full guide. General guidelines, not legal or tax advice.
The full list
| Document | How long | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Birth, marriage or death certificate | Keep forever | Original in a fire and water resistant safe or safe deposit box. A scanned copy helps, but agencies usually want the certified original. |
| Social Security card | Keep forever | Safe place at home. Never in your wallet. |
| Passport | Keep forever (even expired) | Home safe, where you can reach it quickly. |
| Will, trust or power of attorney | Keep forever (the current version) | Ask your attorney. Often the original stays with the attorney or in a home safe, with a copy elsewhere. |
| Military discharge papers (DD-214) | Keep forever | Safe place, plus a scanned copy. |
| Tax return | At least 3 years after filing; many keep it for good | File box by year, plus a scanned copy. |
| W-2, 1099 and deduction receipts | With the tax return: at least 3 years, 7 to be safe | In the same folder as that year's return. |
| Pay stub | Until it matches your W-2 | Inbox or a single folder for the year. Then shred. |
| Bank or credit card statement | About 1 year, unless needed for taxes | Online is fine. Shred paper copies when done. |
| Utility bill | Until the next bill shows your payment | Online is fine. Keep longer only for a home office deduction. |
| Home purchase and closing papers | While you own the home, plus at least 3 years after the sale is reported | Home safe or file box, plus a scanned copy. |
| Home improvement receipts | While you own the home, plus at least 3 years after the sale is reported | One "home" folder, scanned too. |
| Investment purchase records | While you own the investment, plus at least 3 years after the sale is reported | Online with the broker, plus your own copy. |
| Loan payoff letter or lien release | Keep forever | Safe place, plus a scanned copy. |
| Vehicle title | While you own the vehicle | Home safe, not in the car. |
| Insurance policy | While the policy is active, plus until any claims are settled | File box or online, plus agent contacts in your emergency binder. |
| Medical bills and insurance statements (EOBs) | Until paid and resolved; longer if deducted on taxes | One folder per year. Shred when done. |
| Receipt for a big purchase | As long as you own the item | With the warranty, or photographed. |
| Rental lease | Until the lease ends and your deposit is returned | File box or scanned. |
| Pre-approved credit offers | Don't keep | Shred, don't recycle. |
Based on general IRS record-keeping guidance and consumer agency advice. A tax professional or attorney can advise on your own records.