12 Important Documents You Should Shred to Protect Your Privacy
Protecting your personal information starts with how you dispose of your paperwork. Many documents contain details that could easily be used for identity theft if they fall into the wrong hands. That’s why knowing the documents you should shred is essential. Taking a few extra seconds to shred instead of tossing them in the bin can save you from serious problems later one.
What to shred?
Tax Returns
Tax returns include your income, tax file number, and other personal details. Once you’re no longer required to keep them (usually after 5–6 years), they should be shredded to avoid identity theft.
Payroll
Pay stubs list your earnings, tax deductions, and employer info — and may even include bank or health data. Shred them once they’re no longer needed for financial or tax purposes.
Credit Card Statements
These documents reveal your account number, spending habits, and possibly your full name and address. Shred them after checking for accuracy.
Bank Statements
Bank statements contain your account number, transactions, and balances. Discarding them without shredding puts you at risk of fraud.
Insurance Policies
Old policies can include your full name, date of birth, and coverage details. Shred them when they’re expired or replaced.
Medical Records
These may contain sensitive health and identity information. To protect your privacy, always shred medical records you no longer need.
Passports
Expired passports contain critical identity information. Never throw them away intact — shred them securely.
Boarding Passes
Barcodes on boarding passes can reveal personal information, including travel history. Shred them after your trip.
Certificates
These should never be discarded unless you’re replacing a damaged one — and even then, it should be shredded to prevent misuse.
Contracts
Contracts often contain signatures, personal information, and terms that shouldn’t be public. Shred them when no longer relevant.
Social Security Cards
If lost or discarded carelessly, these can lead to identity theft. Keep them safe, and if damaged or expired, shred them thoroughly.
Legal Documents
Wills, court documents, and other legal papers contain highly personal information. Shred any you no longer legally need to keep.