Is it OK to digitise/scan in old statements and dispose of originals?(tax,Visa,ppi?)

arjaydavis

For convenience of access and space saving I would like to scan in my old bank statements, utilities, etc. and dispose of the originals.

1) Given that many banks are now offering paperless documents then presumably it is not a problem to only have a digital copies of statements. Would I be correct?

2) Say for example I had a case for a PPI claim (I don't think I have, but for purpose of discussion), then would digital copies of bank statements showing the payments be sufficient in that people would not doubt the authenticity?

3) Say for example in a Visa application what historical paper records might I need to keep?

I've searched these forums and there are several threads on how long or if paper-based records be kept, but nothing about whether scanning them in and just keeping scanned digital electronic copies would be sufficient for legal, tax, or query purposes.

4) Are there any companies or organisations that would not deem an electronic version of a statement as valid?

5) I think that I should be able to scan in and dispose of most paper originals. Just keep the most recent paper ones of up to three months for identity purposes. Am I right?

I have done lots of research and would post the links here but as a new user this forum won't allow me to post those links due to spam concerns.

InsideInsurance

Ultimately your choice, digital are becoming ever more acceptable but some things move quicker than others.

I've had digital scans of bank statements accepted by other banks, insurers and vetting agencies.... given how UKBA are I didnt "risk" using digital copies as they state they want originals and dont accept online statement prints etc.

Bank statements I keep physically, they dont take up much room. Things like receipts, credit card statements etc I scan and shred

Gromitt

My bank statements (and most of my credit cards statements) are all digital, so I don't have anything to scan and shred. If I was to claim for PPI or similar, then the bank will provide the statements free of charge, as they have not posted them to me in the past (so its not a duplicate as such). Same goes if I need them for identity purposes/etc. I wouldn't try and print them myself.

Documents I only get once a year, like tax forms, I just file away.

Receipts for expensive items I keep and file, and sort them out once a year.