First Citizens recognizes the importance of document security and disposal. That’s why we are hosting Shred Days on Friday, September 10 and Tuesday, September 14, 2021. Click here for locations and times. You will have the opportunity to securely shred and dispose of documents that contain sensitive information. A professional shred truck will collect and shred the documents on the premises. It’s a quick, easy, and safe way to get rid of your personal documents that you’ve had at your house.

While sorting through files, you may be wondering what types of documents to keep and what to shred. Shredding documents containing personal, financial, and account information can help to protect you from identity theft. Anything that contains sensitive personal information (especially your date of birth and/or social security number) can put you at risk if not safely stored. Here is a summary from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to use as a guide for how long to keep certain documents:  

Immediately Shred

  • Sales receipts
  • ATM receipts
  • Paid credit card statements
  • Credit offers
  • Cancelled check (that are not tax-related)
  • Expired warranties

Keep Up to 1 Year

  • Pay stubs
  • Bank statements
  • Paid undisputed medical bills

Shred After 7 Years

  • Tax-related receipts
  • Tax-related cancelled checks
  • W-2s
  • Records for tax deductions taken

It Depends...

  • Auto titles = Keep as long as you own the vehicle
  • Home deeds = Keep as long as you own the property
  • Disputed medical bills = Keep until the issue is resolved
  • Home improvement receipts = Keep until you sell your home and pay any capital gains taxes

Keep Forever

  • Birth certificates
  • Social Security cards
  • Marriage or divorce decrees
  • Citizenship papers
  • Adoption papers
  • Death certificates
  • Tax returns

Within your papers, do you have First Citizens Bank account statements? If so, you may want to consider signing up for eStatements to lessen your paper clutter. Just think, no more searching through stacks of past statements or waiting on the mail for a new one! Having eStatements will also eliminate a paper trail of your private information. You'll not only help the environment but also help protect yourself from identity theft. Click here to sign up for eStatements today!