[eluf38]

I'm off work today, so thought I'd use the spare time to have a bit of a tidy up. I have several years worth of the following:
- bank statements
- bills
- payslips
- insurance documents

Most are dated 2008/9, and some of the companies / employers we aren't even with any more. We really need the storage space. Obviously there are some things like account confirmation letters, P45/P60s and proof of no claim papers that I'll be keeping, but I'd like to know, how long should one keep old payslips and bills?
I don't think anyone has ever asked me to provide proof that I was with BT in 2009, or asked for a payroll number off payslip dated 2007; all the same I'm a bit nervous at the prospect of shredding 'official' paperwork!
Would you get rid of everything pre-2011, or keep it just in case?

[Keefy-boy]

If any documents/receipts are used in calculating your income tax it's generally advisable to keep them for 6 years, otherwise just keep them for as long or short a time as you feel they may be useful.

[davidmcn]

Six years, but even the taxman should be happy with P60s rather than all the individual payslips for the year.

[c4rv]

6 years for tax purposes though you don't need to keep the original. Scanned copies are OK.

http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/ct/managing/record-keeping.htm#2

[chrisjr]

Have a read of this...

http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/sa/record-keeping.htm

Types of records you may need to keep

This guide deals with typical records that employees, directors or non-working individuals, including pensioners, may need to keep. If you're self-employed, in business or a trustee, or if you're dealing with the tax affairs of someone who has died, please also see the later section 'Record keeping for tax - other circumstances'.

And specifically for how long to keep records

http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/sa/record-keeping.htm#3