How long to keep deceased person's documents?

munkster

MSE has been invaluable in the last few months as I tidy up affairs after my mum passed away and wondered if anyone could help on the following...

Basically I have all her old files with bank statements and other documents in such as letters from the DWP regarding assessments and suchlike.

I am just wondering now whether I need to keep any of this or for how long I need to keep them?

I have done all the income tax stuff (and got a rebate for 2010-11 as expected) and had a review from the DWP to check she wasn't receiving too much pension credit (she wasn't, case closed) so as far as I can tell those people have had all they need. I have sorted out all her life insurance policies to the best of my knowledge (she was pretty organised so it wasn't too hard to find everything) so as far as I can tell all we have left to do is sell the property (which has no mortgage outstanding).

Have I forgotten anything or can I shred with impunity???

Thanks in advance, as always.

Surfbabe

oh - I'm in the same position - my mum died last year (2010)- estate was settled in Ma this year. I've got all her tax returns for the last 7 years plus various other papers - obviously all the stuff from solicitors and papers relating to the estate I will keep for 7 years but I hope I can shred everything else.

munkster

In fairness my mum was sufficiently "average" (in the wealth dept!) to not have any tax returns per se. I do have things like tax code notices and so on, but given that the tax man appears to have now decided he's not interested (and actually has no reason to be, to be honest) I'm not sure whether I need to keep them? Have got bank statements for the last 2 years for what it's worth, and it's only paper I guess but am keen to rationalise as much as possible...

Gers

munkster wrote: »

In fairness my mum was sufficiently "average" (in the wealth dept!) to not have any tax returns per se. I do have things like tax code notices and so on, but given that the tax man appears to have now decided he's not interested (and actually has no reason to be, to be honest) I'm not sure whether I need to keep them? Have got bank statements for the last 2 years for what it's worth, and it's only paper I guess but am keen to rationalise as much as possible...

If you can then scan all the documents and then shred them. Scanned copies take up very little room on your PC. Make sure to name them all otherwise it could be a nightmare later on.

munkster

Thanks for an honestly sensible suggestion Gers but the prospect of scanning them all in marginally outstrips the notion of keeping paper right now so will just hang onto it I think :-)

NAR

Most bodies/companies will insist on seeing origonals so scanned will not be acceptable.
To be on the safe side I would retain for 2 years and then shred/dispose of.

Gers

NAR wrote: »

Most bodies/companies will insist on seeing origonals so scanned will not be acceptable.
To be on the safe side I would retain for 2 years and then shred/dispose of.

As tax office is happy then it's very unlikely they will come back and demand originals - my tax return is done online so my 'copy' is not even original.

I understand that the scanning of all the stuff can be difficult, emotionally as well as physically, so keeping it all in a box under the bed until you're ready to get rid could be the best option.

It took me a large number of years to do the scanning of my Dad's old army photos but it felt immensely satisfying when it was done and the hard copies donated to his regiment museum.

Take your time - it'll seem correct one day!

dzug1

The strict legal requirement is to keep estate papers for 12 years.

The chances of them ever being required after the first two or three years is tiny though.

munkster

Thanks dzug - is there are definition of "estate papers" anywhere?? Does it include everything and anything that exists relating to the deceased or specific types of documents?