A: Generally speaking, the following are recommended periods of retention for various documents:

7 Years

Tax Returns (uncomplicated), W-2's, 1099's, Cancelled checks supporting tax deductions, Bank deposit slips, Bank statements, Charitable contribution documentation, Credit card statements, Receipts, diaries, or logs pertaining to tax returns.

Ownership Period + 7 Years

Investment purchase and sales slips, Dividend reinvestment records, Year-end brokerage statements, Mutual fund annual statements, Investment property purchase documents, Home purchase documents, Home improvement receipts and cancelled checks, Loan paperwork.

Permanent

Tax Returns (complicated), Retirement plan annual reports, IRA annual reports, IRA nondeductible contributions (Form 8606), Divorce documents, Estate planning documents.