How long to keep important documents
Most household paperwork doesn't need keeping forever — but some documents are hard or impossible to replace. This guide sets out commonly used timeframes so you can tidy up with confidence.
General information · Last reviewed
What this document usually is
There's no single legal rule for most personal paperwork. The timeframes below reflect how long a document is typically useful — for example, how long HMRC can ask about a tax return, or how long a guarantee lasts. Your own circumstances may mean keeping some things longer.
What to check on it
- Whether the document relates to tax you've declared (keep longer)
- Whether it proves ownership, identity or a legal right (keep permanently)
- Whether a guarantee, warranty or policy is still running
- Whether you can easily get a copy again from the sender
Commonly used timeframes
These are widely used rules of thumb, not legal requirements for every situation:
- Self Assessment records — at least 22 months after the end of the tax year (longer if you file late or are self-employed: usually 5 years after the 31 January deadline)
- Payslips, P60s and P45s — until you've checked your tax for the year; many people keep P60s for several years
- Utility and phone bills — until the next bill confirms payment, or longer if you use them as proof of address
- Bank statements — commonly 1 year, longer if they support a tax return
- Receipts and warranties — for as long as the guarantee or warranty lasts
- Insurance policies — while the policy runs, plus a period after in case of a late claim
- Property deeds, birth and marriage certificates, passports, wills — permanently
- Pension statements — keep the latest, plus any that show transfers
Disposing of old paperwork safely
Shred or securely destroy anything showing account numbers, National Insurance numbers, signatures or your address before recycling it.
Things worth a second look
- Throwing away the only copy of a document proving ownership or identity
- Recycling unshredded statements with account details visible
What you might need to do next
- Sort papers into keep forever, keep for now, and shred
- Note expiry dates for warranties and policies so you know when they stop being needed
- Store permanent documents somewhere safe and dry
Official sources
Common questions
Q. Is a scanned copy good enough?
A. For most everyday records, yes. For documents proving identity or ownership, keep the original too.
Q. How long should I keep bank statements?
A. Many people keep a year's worth, and longer where they support a tax return or an ongoing dispute.
Related guides
Important disclaimer
This guide is general information about common UK documents, not legal, financial, tax or medical advice. Always read your own document and, where something is serious, contact the sender or a qualified adviser.
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