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Warner Norcross + Judd LLP is a corporate law firm with over 230 attorneys serving clients in nine offices throughout Michigan. Among the largest law firms in Michigan, Warner works in virtually all areas of business law.

Michigan Law Firm - Warner Norcross + Judd LLP

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Hopefully, you have finished your spring cleaning by now and your taxes are filed for another year. That makes this a great time to turn your attention to cleaning out your file cabinet and those boxes of papers that are cluttering up your home office, basement or attic.  

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Sound like a daunting task? Tackle these steps slowly, using an hour here and there as time permits.

1. Categorize your paper

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Documents (digital or paper) to be kept usually fall into one of six categories. Note: You do not need to keep most documents in paper form, even for the IRS. Rather you can scan them and save them electronically. 

Common Documents and Retention periods:

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Keep while you own the items

Keep for the calendar year

2. Protect your identity by shredding:

Cross-cut or confetti shredders are most secure. Also look for free shredding events in your area.

3. Store documents appropriately

Store permanent documents in a fireproof safe or a safe-deposit box. Electronic files containing personal and financial information should be password protected. (Make sure someone has access to your storage areas and passwords upon your death.) Documents can be filed based on the type of document (bills, statements, etc.) or based on how long to keep it.

4. Update old estate planning documents

As you are filing your documents, consider:

Of course, if you work at home, own a business, have properties or businesses in other states or have other circumstances, different retention rules may apply. Please contact your attorney with specific questions.

Tax Planning

Trusts and Estates

Do I Need to Keep This Piece of Paper?

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