When in doubt, do NOT throw it out!!! Below is a list of documents that you should keep for one, three, and six years:
Personal Documents To Keep For One year:
Bank Statements
bank
Paycheck Stubs (reconcile with W-2)
Canceled checks
Monthly and quarterly mutual fund and retirement contribution statements (reconcile with year end statement)
Personal Documents To Keep For Three Years:
Credit Card Statements
Medical Bills (in case of insurance disputes)
Utility Records
Expired Insurance Policies
Personal Documents To Keep For Six Years:
Supporting Documents For Tax Returns
Accident Reports and Claims
Medical Bills (if tax-related)
Property Records / Improvement Receipts
Sales Receipts
Wage Garnishments
Other Tax-Related Bills
Personal Records To Keep Forever
CPA Audit Reports
Legal Records
Important Correspondence
Income Tax Returns
Income Tax Payment Checks
Investment Trade Confirmations
Retirement and Pension Records
Try to keep these documents for at least one year. After tax time, you never know if you get audited by the IRS, or if you tax prep professional may need them to properly process your return.
Happy filing!