07/04/2023

How long should I keep my documents?

We are inundated with paperwork, digital or otherwise. With all this paperwork, many people are confused about how long they should keep each document. On this page we give you a clear answer to this question. Storing and organising all your documents can be quite a challenge. Doccle is the ideal solution.

All your documents are automatically stored centrally, digitally and free of charge for as long as you want them to be. So you don’t have to worry.

Document Retention Period

Bank documents

Bank records must be retained for 5 years.

Tax Return

A copy of your tax return must be kept for 7 years. This includes the supporting documents for your tax return (invoices, certificates, bank documents, etc.). It is therefore important that your tax documents are kept for a long time in the event of a personal or corporate tax audit.

Lawyers’ payments and fees

You should keep these for 5 years.

Building and renovation documents

Construction and renovation documents are subject to a 10-year retention period, namely invoices for real estate, contractors and architects.

Invoices

How long you need to keep invoices depends on the type of invoice. However, the Federal Public Service Economy recommends that you keep all your invoices for 10 years anyway. The legal period depends on the service or product.

Warranty certificates

The 2-year period applies to warranty certificates for electrical appliances and furniture. Otherwise, the guarantee is no longer valid.

Restaurant accounts

Restaurant or hotel invoices should be kept for 6 months.

Rental contracts

You should keep these for 5 years.

Mortgage loans or credit

You should keep these for 5 years.

Cash tickets

Cash tickets for small amounts can be kept for up to 1 month. Remember that an exchange or refund can only be made within 14 days of purchase with your receipt. The same applies in the event of damage or theft.

Pay slips

Pay slips or salary statements must be kept for 10 years by law, but the government recommends extending this to retirement.

Personal and/or family papers

There are a number of personal and family documents that should be kept throughout your life. These include your worldwide medical records, diplomas, birth, adoption and recognition certificates, marriage contracts, cohabitation agreements, divorce decrees, notarial deeds, gift certificates and any documents relating to inheritance.

Insurance documents

All your insurance documents should be kept for 10 years. However, there is an exception for car insurance and employers’ liability insurance. These are best kept for life.

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