How long to keep papers

A general guide based on the IRS's own rules. Your situation can call for longer. Not tax advice.

Papers	Keep at least
Tax forms and the papers behind a return: W-2s, 1099s, 1098s, receipts for deductions	3 years from the date you filed (or the due date, if later). Docs2books sets the shred-by date this way.
If you left out more than 25% of your income	6 years
A loss from worthless securities or a bad debt	7 years
Years you did not file, or filed falsely	Indefinitely
Payroll records, if you have employees	4 years after the tax was due or paid, whichever is later
Home and property records: deed, closing statement, receipts for improvements	Until 3 years after the tax year you sell
The tax returns themselves	Many people keep them for good
IDs, birth certificates, Social Security cards, titles, deeds	For good. Keep the paper originals somewhere safe.
Insurance policies	While active, and until any claim is settled
Warranties and leases	Until they end
Pay stubs	Until you check them against your W-2

Before shredding, check that no one else needs the paper: a lender, an insurer or a court can ask you to keep records longer than the IRS does.