Thinning the files

A recent "project" has been one of going through files and shredding or recycling what's no longer needed. Tax returns should be kept for 7 years, the period of time during which the IRS can audit a return. Clare and I decided to keep just the file copy of each return (for amusement or posterity), but everything else is now gone for these 28 years, 1981–2008. (Hmm. where are 1979 and 1980?) Now I have file folders for the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s and a 29-pound box of paper with Social Security numbers was taken for commercial shredding (at 30¢ per pound). You're welcome, children! :)

Interesting to see how my folder labeling changed over 27 years.

1 year ago (“A student’s hobby”): http://365project.org/rhoing/365/2015-12-16
2 years ago (“Nature’s ‘Christmas tree’ ornaments”): http://365project.org/rhoing/365/2014-12-16
3 years ago (“Tree-trimming beads”): http://365project.org/rhoing/365/2013-12-16
4 years ago (“Dad’s only ‘pet’”): http://365project.org/rhoing/365/2012-12-16
5 years ago (“Double Tree”): http://365project.org/rhoing/365/2011-12-16

[ IMG_3803S1238x800Otm :: f/4 :: 1/60" :: ISO-400 :: 55mm :: flash ]

[Tami Skipper]

I think I need to do this purge as well. Mine go back to 1985. I have been purging other things in the house like clothes, shoes, papers, under-the-sink-never-used-items-why-are-they-still-there items, etc. Fun shot.

[Maggiemae]

I thought it was ten years but now I see its seven - goody - can get rid of so much stuff! Thats from 2010 back!

[Thom Mitchell]

@maggiemae I'm "risk averse" as we say in my discipline and I haven't filed for 2016 yet, so I count back 7 years of *already-filed* returns: 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010 and 2009, so that's why my photo only shows empty folders up to 2008. I still have everything from 2009 on. None will probably ever be necessary for me: (a) Clare & I are "small-potatoes" and (b) we don't have the kinds of things on our returns that get the attention of IRS auditors (e.g., deduction for a home office). But I have them.

[Danette Thompson]

I've scanned and destroyed so many boxes. Can't do that to my tax returns! Home office deductions now not a red flag.