Are you drowning in papers because you're not sure which you might need for taxes and/or for how long?

Here's a personal guide... again it's only a "guide." I obtained from the help of the New York Times.

Sales Receipts- Receipts not needed for a specific purpose can be tossed. Exceptions could be: tax deduction or write offs and warranty repairs.

Utility Bills- Can be thrown away unless you claim home-office deductions on your taxes.

Pay Stubs- Save the latest stub, figuring that it contains cumulative totals for the year. Save the last pay stuf of the year since it will contain the year's totals on tax related items like union dues.

Tax Records- Keep for three years, perferably six years. That includes documentation for deductions. Tax records relating to home improvements should be kept permanently because they can reduce any capital gains tax.

Credit Cards- Discard once you've checked for accuracy.

Warranties- keep for the life of the guarantee along with the original receipt.

Insurance Documents- Save permanently. Save purchase receipts for major items.