What to Do With Tax Records After Someone Dies: Keep or Shred?

Death and taxes may be certain, but the paperwork left behind can feel overwhelming. Knowing how long to keep tax documents and personal records after someone has died can help simplify the process.

If you’re filing taxes for yourself or handling them for someone who has died, it’s important to know how long to keep financial records. This guide covers IRS recommendations, what documents to save forever, and how to safely dispose of sensitive paperwork.

For more detailed tax guidance as a widow or executor, see our Filing Taxes as a Widow/Widower guide.

Note: This article is not intended to replace the professional advice of an attorney, tax professional, or your local IRS office. Please consult them with questions and for additional information.

How Long to Keep Documents

The IRS recommends keeping most tax documents for at least three years, but in some cases, you’ll need to store them longer.

Here are the IRS guidelines for document retention:

• 7 years: You should keep records for seven years if you filed a claim for a loss from worthless securities or for a debt reduction.
• 6 years: You should keep records for six years if you do not report income that you should report and it is more than a quarter of the gross income on your return.
• 4 years: The IRS says to keep employment tax records for at least 4 years after the tax due date or when it was paid, whichever is later.
• Indefinitely: If you did not file a tax return or filed a fraudulent return, the IRS recommends keeping records forever.

Even if you no longer need tax records for IRS purposes, check with your insurance company, creditors, or financial institutions before disposing of them.

Important Documents to Keep Forever

Some documents should never be discarded because they serve as proof of identity, citizenship, or legal status. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), you should keep the following documents indefinitely:

• Birth certificates or adoption papers
• Social Security cards
• Citizenship papers or passports
• Marriage or divorce decrees
• Death certificates of family members  

You should also keep auto titles and home deeds for as long as you own your home and car. According to the Washington Post, you should also keep funeral programs because they hold a wealth of information like maiden names and family history.

How to Dispose of Sensitive Documents Safely

Proper disposal of old tax records and personal documents is essential for preventing identity theft. The FTC recommends shredding documents that contain:

• Social Security numbers
• Account numbers
• Financial information
• Medical details

Free Shredding Services

Before buying a shredder, check for free shredding events in your area. Many nonprofits, banks, and community organizations offer them periodically. Some funeral homes may also provide guidance on secure document disposal. 

What to Shred Immediately After a Death

According to Trustworthy, the following documents can be safely shredded right away unless needed for legal or financial matters:

• ATM receipts
• Credit card and insurance offers
• Expired warranties
• Paid billing statements
• Paid utility bills
• Sales receipts

Pro Tip: Not sure whether to shred or save? Take a quick photo or scan the document and store a digital copy before disposal.

Alternatives to Shredding

If you don’t have access to a shredder, consider these alternative disposal methods:

• Burning: If permitted by local laws, burn documents in a fireplace or outdoor fire pit.
• Cutting into small pieces: Manually cut sensitive details before disposal.
• Pulping: Soak documents in water until they break down.
• Separating trash: Distribute different pages across multiple trash bins.

Making Tax and Document Management Easier

Handling tax records and paperwork after a loss can feel overwhelming. By following IRS guidelines, securely disposing of unneeded documents, and keeping key records, you can stay organized and reduce stress.

For step-by-step guidance on essential legal tasks after a death, check out our Top 9 Essential Legal Steps to Take When Someone Dies article.