I need a guide for how long one should keep various important papers. 
Today I am cleaning out the filing cabinet full of tax returns, pay
stubs, credit card bills, utility bills, etc.  Is there a site that
lists generally what I can get rid of and what I should keep?

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Request for Question Clarification by answerfinder-ga on 19 Feb 2005 07:01 PST

nkamom-ga,
You have not specified which country. Here in the UK, the Inland
Revenue can take action up to six years after the tax year in
question. Which country are you referring to?
answerfinder-ga

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Clarification of Question by nkamom-ga on 19 Feb 2005 08:27 PST

I am in the U.S.  I recall a magazine article or news story that
listed all of the types of papers and how long to keep them.

Dear nkamom-ga;

I am happy to answer your question.

I went to Google and typed in ?How long should I keep them??. I
immediatley found a document that does exactly what you asked ? it
outlines which records should be retained and suggests a minimum time
period before others should be destroyed:

MANAGING HOUSEHOLD RECORDS
HOW LONG SHOULD I KEEP THEM?
http://www.fidtitle.addr.com/FYI/NOV%20-%20HOW%20LONG%20TO%20KEEP%20THEM.pdf#search='long%20should%20I%20keep%20papers'

Finding that document led me to others that offered similar
information. Here are just a couple of them. If you repeat my search
strategy you will find others as well:

HOW LONG TO KEEP YOUR RECORDS FOR IRS
http://www.asiostudio.com/newsletter-how-long-to-keep-records.html

RECORDKEEPING GUIDE: 
?How Long Should You Retain Your Records??
http://www.gofso.com/Premium/LE/21_le_ot/fg/fg-Record_Keeping.html

I?ve no doubt you will find what you need to know in these sources.

I hope you find that my research exceeds your expectations. If you
have any questions about my research please post a clarification
request prior to rating the answer. Otherwise, I welcome your rating
and your final comments and I look forward to working with you again
in the near future. Thank you for bringing your question to us.

Best regards;
Tutuzdad ? Google Answers Researcher


OTHER INFORMATION SOURCES

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?How long should I keep them??

Here is a website that may help:
http://www.lifeorganizers.com/office/records-retention.htm?source=googlewords

This may be helpful:

http://members.fairwinds.org/KnowledgeLab/fin_rec.asp

Keep them as long as you think you should, but be aware that the
moment you irrevocably throw them out....THAT'S when you'll suddenly
need them.

This should help: 

http://www.montana.edu/wwwpb/pubs/mt9611.html

Most normal papers are useful within 3 years, US taxes are approx 7
years. Key documents such as loans, business information and the like
should be held up to 3 years after that loan is closed. My business
www.craftedsoap.com sells homemade soaps and such and I was audited 3
years ago by the IRS and I was so glad I held documents for 5 years or
more. Some of the things I failed to hold onto for that long cost a
small fortune to get out of archives of some companies and copied to
me.