Knowing how long to keep personal documents is an important part of protecting your identity, staying organized, and complying with legal and tax requirements. Many Connecticut residents keep boxes of old paperwork “just in case,” while others dispose of documents too soon—sometimes creating problems down the road.
This guide recommends how long Connecticut residents should keep common personal documents, which records should be kept permanently, and when it’s time to securely shred paperwork you no longer need. It is always a good idea to check with legal and financial professionals.
Why Document Retention Matters in Connecticut
Keeping documents for the proper amount of time helps you:
- Protect yourself from identity theft
- Respond to tax audits or disputes
- Provide proof for insurance claims
- Verify property ownership, benefits, or warranties
- Reduce clutter while staying compliant
Just as important as knowing what to keep is knowing how to dispose of sensitive documents securely once they are no longer required.
Documents You Should Keep Permanently
Some personal records should never be thrown away. Connecticut residents should keep the following documents indefinitely, ideally in a secure fire-resistant file or safe:
- Birth certificates
- Death certificates
- Marriage licenses and divorce decrees
- Social Security cards
- Passports (even expired ones)
- Citizenship or naturalization papers
- Adoption records
- Military discharge papers (DD-214)
- Estate planning documents (wills, trusts, powers of attorney)
- Property deeds and titles
- Mortgage payoff statements
These documents are difficult or costly to replace and are often required for legal or government purposes.
Tax Records: How Long to Keep Them
For most Connecticut residents, tax records should be kept for at least 7 years. This includes:
- Federal and Connecticut state tax returns
- W-2s and 1099s
- Supporting documentation (receipts, deductions, charitable contributions)
- Records related to income or investments
The IRS generally has 3 years to audit a return, but this can extend to 6 years if income is underreported. Keeping records for 7 years provides a safe margin.
Once past that timeframe, these documents should be professionally shredded, not placed in household recycling.
Banking and Financial Records
Recommended retention periods for common financial documents include:
- Bank statements: 1–3 years
- Credit card statements: 1 year (keep longer if related to taxes)
- Pay stubs: 1 year (until W-2 is verified)
- Investment records: Keep while you own the asset, plus 7 years after selling
- Loan documents: Until paid off, then 7 years
Anything containing account numbers or financial details should be securely destroyed once it’s no longer needed.
Insurance and Medical Records
- Active policies: Keep for the life of the policy
- Claims and settlement records: 7 years
- Home improvement receipts (insurance-related): As long as you own the home
- Explanation of Benefits (EOBs): 1–3 years
- Medical bills: 7 years
- Records related to chronic conditions: Keep indefinitely
Medical documents contain highly sensitive personal information and should always be shredded when disposed of.
Household and Miscellaneous Records
- Utility bills: 1 year
- Warranty documents: For the duration of the warranty
- Appliance manuals: As long as you own the item
- School records and transcripts: Permanently
- Employment contracts: 7 years after leaving the job
When It’s Time to Shred
Once documents have passed their recommended retention period, throwing them in the trash or recycling bin is not safe. Dumpster diving and identity theft remain serious concerns in Connecticut.
Professional shredding ensures:
- Personal information is destroyed beyond reconstruction
- Documents are handled securely
- Paper is responsibly recycled after destruction
Many Connecticut residents choose on-site shredding, allowing them to watch their documents being destroyed in real time.
Secure Shredding for Connecticut Residents
FileShred helps Connecticut residents safely dispose of old personal documents with secure, convenient shredding services. Whether you’re cleaning out a home office, downsizing, or simply decluttering years of paperwork, FileShred offers:
- On-site shredding you can watch
- One-time residential purge services
- NAID AAA-certified secure destruction
- Environmentally responsible recycling
- Flexible scheduling Monday through Saturday
Final Thoughts
Keeping personal documents for the right amount of time protects your finances, your identity, and your peace of mind. When it’s time to let go of old paperwork, make sure it’s destroyed properly.
If you’re unsure what to keep or ready to safely shred documents you no longer need, FileShred is here to help Connecticut residents every step of the way.
