With tax season quickly approaching, do you find yourself unsure about what to keep and what to shred?

Nowadays, with everything stored in the cloud, it’s easy to assume that physical documents are no longer necessary, leading many to discard physical documents without a second thought. However, some records must still be kept, while others should be securely destroyed. Improper disposal of sensitive paperwork can leave you vulnerable to identity theft and data breaches. 

As tax season arrives, tax document shredding becomes more important and managing financial documents becomes even more crucial. Whether you’re an individual, a small business, or a large corporation, understanding what to retain and what to securely destroy is key to protecting your information. Proshred Philidelphia is here to help answer your most pressing tax-season document destruction questions.  

Why is shredding your documents essential during tax season? 

Tax documents contain highly sensitive information such as Social Security numbers, financial account details, and employer identification numbers. Improper disposal of these documents increases the risk of identity theft and fraud. Shredding ensures that your confidential data doesn’t fall into the wrong hands. 

How long should I keep my tax records?

The IRS (Internal Revenue Service) generally recommends keeping tax returns and supporting documents for at least three to seven years, depending on your situation. Here’s a quick breakdown: 

  • 3 years: If you have no special circumstances (standard rule) 
  • 6 years: If you’ve underreported your income by more than 25% 
  • 7 years: If you’ve claimed a loss due to bad debt or worthless securities 
  • Indefinitely: If you didn’t file a return or filed a fraudulent return

What tax documents should I shred?

Once the retention period has passed, you should shred: 

  • Old tax returns (outside the retention period) 
  • Pay stubs 
  • Bank and credit card statements 
  • Canceled checks 
  • Receipts with financial details 
  • Investment statements 
  • Supporting tax documents (W-2s, 1099s, etc.)

Can I shred my documents at home?

While personal shredders can handle small quantities, they are often time-consuming and may not provide the same level of security as professional shredding services. Proshred offers secure, industrial-grade shredding that ensures complete document destruction. 

Does Proshred Security provide on-site shredding for tax documents?

Yes! Whether it’s residential, commercial, or enterprises, Proshred Security offers on-site mobile shredding, meaning we come to your location and securely shred your documents while you watch. This ensures the highest level of security and convenience.

Can I use Proshred’s drop-off shredding services for my tax season cleanout?

Absolutely! Many of our locations offer drop-off shredding, allowing you to bring in your old tax documents for secure disposal. It’s a convenient and cost-effective solution for individuals and small businesses.

What happens to the shredded documents?

All shredded paper is 100% recycled, Proshred partners with recycling facilities to ensure that your documents are turned into new paper products rather than ending up in a landfill, helping you stay secure while also being environmentally responsible. 

Does Proshred offer services for businesses with large volumes of tax records?

Proshred provides a one-time shredding service for bulk document disposal and scheduled shredding services for businesses that need ongoing secure destruction of sensitive paperwork. 

Are Proshred’s services compliant with legal and IRS regulations?

Our shredding services meet all regulatory requirements, including HIPAA, FACTA, and IRS guidelines for proper document disposal. We also provide a Certificate of Destruction for your records.

How can I schedule a shredding service?

Scheduling a shredding service is easy! You can: 

  • Get a free quote 
  • Call us to book an appointment
  • Find a drop-off location near you

Don’t let old tax documents put you at risk. Whether you need a one-time purge or regular shredding, Proshred Philidelphia has you covered.

Secure Your Tax Records with Proshred! 

Picture of Joe Coletta

Joe Coletta

As the former General Manager of Safe Shredding LLC from May 2005 to October 2018, Joe played a key role in shaping the company into a trusted leader in mobile paper shredding. In 2018, he joined the PROSHRED® team and was later promoted to Regional Vice President of Performance and Operations. Overseeing operations in Northern New Jersey and New York City, Joe continues to drive efficiencies while demonstrating exceptional professionalism and strategic leadership. With a career spanning two decades, his dedication to excellence and client satisfaction has made him a distinguished figure in the industry.

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