The Document Organization System Builder
SPECIFICATION
ADMIN-04
CATEGORYLife Admin
FOCUSIRS-based retention timelines, the physical-original vs. digital-copy distinction & FEMA's EFFAK framework
BEST FORKnowing what to keep, for how long, in what form, and building an emergency document set
METHODOLOGYIRS recordkeeping guidance · Vital-records physical-original rule · FEMA Emergency Financial First Aid Kit
FORMAT.md + .txt
COMPATIBLE MODELS
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SKILL LEVELBeginner
GENERAL ASSISTANT
I have a huge pile of old tax returns, pay stubs, and bank statements going back like 10 years. What can I actually get rid of?
It's a good idea to keep your important documents organized! Try using folders and keep copies of everything just in case.
ADMIN-04 — THE DOCUMENT ORGANIZATION SYSTEM BUILDER
I have a huge pile of old tax returns, pay stubs, and bank statements going back like 10 years. What can I actually get rid of?
Good news, you can clear out most of that.
For tax returns, the IRS's general rule of thumb is 3 years from filing, extending to 6 years only if income was underreported by more than 25% - so anything older than 6 years is very likely safe to shred.
Pay stubs and bank statements are generally fine to keep for about a year, then shredded.
The one exception: documents tied to a home purchase or major improvement, or investment cost-basis records - hold onto those as long as you own the asset.
For tax returns, the IRS's general rule of thumb is 3 years from filing, extending to 6 years only if income was underreported by more than 25% - so anything older than 6 years is very likely safe to shred.
Pay stubs and bank statements are generally fine to keep for about a year, then shredded.
The one exception: documents tied to a home purchase or major improvement, or investment cost-basis records - hold onto those as long as you own the asset.
