Quote:
Originally Posted by TheWickerFan
At this time of year (tax time) I concentrate a lot on paper; by far, the most challenging and soul-destroying type of clutter. How long do you keep certain types of papers? Do you keep a certain amount of years or everything? Do you keep just important papers such as tax documents or receipts for every purchase including a bag of chips? I always appreciate tips on how to control this chronic headache.
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My important papers I keep in manilla folders in my desk drawer, labeled, for a quick reference. Real important are kept in a safe deposit box.
Old records including my tax clients are kept in small storage boxes that are stored in my enclosed garage. Never use it for my car. I keep my records for about five years, my clients for 7 years after which they will be destroyed unless notified.
Only receipts that can be used to support a tax deduction need be kept. Like medical receipts, tax receipts, receipts for business expenses and so forth. Also unreimbursed employee expenses as well.
I usually keep some of utility bills for about a year and a half, that way I can review them for trends as well as to use for budget purposes. If you have a home office then it would be wise to keep them in your tax files.
I also like to keep some of my magazines like Aviation History, Films of the Golden Age, Classic Images and Cat Fancy. I store them in these plastic containers in various sizes I get from Office Depot.
I also have the bad habit of wanting to keep everything I get my hands on. Occasionally I just make up my mind and clean house. I had about 500 National Geographics. I kept about 40 of the best and donated the rest.
I like to keep everything organized.
Well, that's about it.
Any other questions, Wicker, let me know.
The Duchess