If you just finished filing your taxes, you probably also reviewed a lot of paperwork. Keeping all of that documentation organized is a task in itself, many times begging the question, “How long should I keep all of these documents?” If you have a vast amount of space and want to keep every single receipt you’ve every generated, good for you. But many of us are spaciously challenged and do not have that luxury. Below is a guide on where and for how long you should store important documents.

DOCUMENT / WHEN TO TOSS / WHERE TO KEEP

Canceled Checks / Generally 1 year unless they support tax filings / Home

Check Registers / After 1 year / Home

Check Statements / After 1 year / Home

Loan Discharge Notices / Never / Safe-Deposit Box

Will / When updated / Safe-Deposit Box

Power of Attorney / When updated / Safe-Deposit Box

Stock Certificates / Should not be held / Transfer to a broker

Car Title / When you sell your vehicle / Safe-Deposit Box

Product Receipts / When warranty expires / Home

401k Statements / When you get a new one / Home

Tax Documents / Most advise 7 years; I say NEVER / Home

Resource: Consumer Reports Money Advisor 2/10