Make Shredding a Part of Your Tax Preparation

With April 15th right around the corner, you no doubtcan only go back five years, anything you've saved
are rifling through important papers and receipts,dated prior to the cutoff needs to be shredding
collecting all the information you need to deliver anbeyond recognition.
accurate tax return to the IRS. Depending on howUsually in March or April to coincide with tax
much you have to write off, it's important to ensurepreparation, banks and other financial companies may
you have the necessary paperwork to back up yoursponsor a public shredding event to raise awareness
claims. Superfluous data, however, can be eliminated,of identity safety. For the price of a small donation to a
but as much of it may contain sensitive informationcharity - usually canned good or other gently used
you want to dispose of it correctly. That's whyitems - people can bring their backlog of paper to be
shredding should be a part of your tax preparation.destroyed. Industrial shredders built into the backs of
Some people may be reluctant to take paper to atrucks tear through the paper and plastic credit cards
professional shredder for fear of being audited.and create piles of illegible remains which are usually
Nobody wants to destroy information that may betaken to a recycling center. Your information remains
needed sometime down the road, yet keeping loosesecure and you help the environment by reducing
receipts and bank slips around can post a threat towaste!
your financial security. Were somebody to get his/herWhen you're through with your taxes this year, take
hands on a Social Security number, a bank accountthe time to shred what's left, what you don't need.
number or other data, it could prove a hassle toYou'll clear your home of clutter and live with peace of
correct any identity theft problems. As an official auditmind that your finances are more secure.