Well, it happened - water in basement!

[debodun]

There's a secure document disposal service relatively nearby that has an industrial size shredder. I was think of just having them do it, but they probably wouldn't take wet papers - they would likely clog their shredder.

As to keeping records back 30 years. A few years ago, the IRS did come after me for a mistake I made on my 2002 tax return. Good thing I had the documents.

 

[Gemma]

I'm not putting mildewed papers in my freezer, but thanks for the input.

Freezing mildewed papers will only stop the mold from growing. But it won't stop it from returning once the papers are brought out into the environment where it can grow again.

 

[hollydolly]

There's a secure document disposal service relatively nearby that has an industrial size shredder. I was think of just having them do it, but they probably wouldn't take wet papers - they would likely clog their shredder.

As to keeping records back 30 years. A few years ago, the IRS did come after me for a mistake I made on my 2002 tax return. Good thing I had the documents.

Nowadays you have them as PDF's on your computer

 

[Jules]

Out of curiosity, how long does the IRS say you have to maintain records.

 

[Aunt Bea]

Out of curiosity, how long does the IRS say you have to maintain records.

As little as 2-3 years for most things and up to seven years for certain investment transactions.

I usually keep them until the storage box gets full and then start pulling from the back.