
Now, if you want to file digital copies of your important documents to make them easier to access and share, that’s a great idea! Just make sure you have a paper backup.

So when in doubt, print it out (and keep it filed in a safe place). Plus, we’ve all heard tragic stories about failed hard drives and lost laptops. But it’s almost always a good idea to have a hard copy on hand, filed safely away just in case.įor example, when it comes to your will, your loved ones could wind up with a bit of legal mess on their hands if they’re only left with a digital copy and not the original. We know filing digital copies of all those important documents away on a hard drive or online cloud may seem like the best option-no loose papers, no mess and no worries. Commence shredding! Seriously, though: Shred any document with personal information on it before you toss it in the dumpster-you never know who could get their hands on it. Overall, you should hold on to a document if you think you might need it, if it’s a personal identification document, if it’s something that has to do with your finances, or if it protects your future (like life insurance or a will).Įverything else is probably just clutter. Insurance policies (home, auto, personal property, etc.).Mortgage statements, deeds and bills of sale.Any other tax-related forms, receipts and records.Which are the most important documents to hang on to? They include: So, you need a document organizer somewhere in your home that you can easily find in those big moments. And when one of those big moments arrives, the last thing you’ll want to do is run around the house searching for the papers you need like you’re Monty Python looking for the Holy Grail (because you probably don’t have access to the Holy Hand Grenade). You could wind up needing one of those important documents if a big life event happens, like buying a house, having a baby, changing your name, or making a will. Save 10% on your will with the RAMSEY10 promo code. You know, the stuff you keep around “just in case.”

Important documents are certain legal, tax, medical, property and personal records you should hold on to in case you need to reference or use them down the road. Let’s talk about which documents to protect, which documents to toss, and the why behind both decisions. So how the heck do you know the difference between the important documents and the ones that should go straight to the shredder?ĭon’t worry-we’ve got you covered.
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Oh, and what about figuring out how to safely organize the important documents you’re supposed to hold on to throughout the years?Īt some point, asking your 75-year-old mom to overnight a copy of your birth certificate just doesn’t cut it anymore.
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But you never think about the not-so-fun parts-like paying taxes, having a tooth pulled, or getting your driver’s license renewed. When you’re little, you dream about the day you get to drive your own car, have your own house, and stay up as late as you want.
