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 7 years, or longer if required by law. So you don’t have to worry. This 7 year period is also the period you need to keep any documents that are used to support a tax return. Even if the period for these documents is in principle shorter.
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 Otherwise, the guarantee is no longer valid.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.