Identity theft can wreak long-term havoc on individuals and business owners alike.

Clutter. Few of us can get away from it. There always seems to be something that we're holding to and some reason to keep it. Whether it's because you don't know if you'll ever need it again or because you have some sort of sentimental attachment to it, the reality adds up to a lot of stuff that really doesn't need to crowd your home. But while it might not be easy to get rid of your old jeans from high school, it seems less likely that you've formed the same sort of emotional bond to your tax records. If you're tired of opening a file cabinet and feeling like it's exploding in unorganized madness every time tax season rolls around, see how you can start to clear it up with the help of mobile shredding. 

Which records should you keep for tax purposes, and how long should you keep them? The question causes confusion every year during tax season, in part because so many different rules apply.

One of the most important components of a business is being able to protect data. A good way to do this is by shredding any paper documents or electronic files. Knowing how safely conduct document destruction methods will not only protect the business but adds credibility for your customers. There are certain regulatory protocols to be met, and shredding helps keep security at optimal levels.

While most people now keep tax documents on their computers, some still keep the documents in paper files. The 2020 tax season was delayed by moving the filing date to July, so it’s tax season for those who did not file their taxes in April. As you file your current year’s tax documents, you should go through your files, especially paper files, to get ready to shred old tax documents and those you do not need to keep. If you do keep a paper file, be sure you keep it in a secure place. You should also have separate files for each year so that you can find the information when you need it.

Throwing documents away in the regular trash, even if they have only your address on them, gives identity thieves another piece of the puzzle they need to steal your identity. Even if you shred documents with a home office shredder, your data isn’t safe. Strips are easy enough to put together to get confidential information. When you use mobile shredding services, you know that your information is safe. The trucks are secure, and we use cross cut shredders that create tiny shreds of paper that are nearly impossible to put back together.

The coronavirus has managed to throw a wrench into nearly all of our 2020 plans, including when and how we file for taxes. The IRS and the Treasury Department have extended the deadline to July 15 for taxes and even contemplated extending the timeline until September. This has not made anyone exempt from paying taxes, but it has given people the chance to get their bearings and (hopefully) catch their breath during the pandemic. Now that you have more time though, you may want to consider how you're preparing for the new deadline on the horizon. Learn more about why you should take care of shredding tax documents and how it could save you some hassle down the road. 

All businesses have confidential data, whether it’s just the contact information and business model of a sole employer or a large business with many employees. Every business also has customers, and that data might include contact information, social security numbers – depending on the type of business and financial information. Lawyers and medical professionals have even more personal information. Businesses need to protect all of this information during the time they are required to keep the information and when they are permitted to destroy files. When employees destroy documents, you are not keeping confidential information safe. Instead, professional document destruction by River Mill Data Management ensures that your documents are safe from prying eyes.

Keeping documents in your office could lead to stolen information, loss of a file, and other issues. If you lose a file that you need, you stall work on that case until you find the file. Document storage is only as good as those who manage the file room. Off-site document storage sites index and barcode your files so you can always find them. We use advanced software to allow you to look at your inventory online. Additionally, you can request file pickup, delivery and retrieval, inventory reporting and the final disposition of the documents.

With an average life of just three years, computers and laptops are discarded every day by individuals and businesses who have replaced them with the newest machines on the market. Unfortunately, these discarded computers hold a treasure trove of information – often everything a thief needs to do extensive damage to your organization, its customers, or your personal finances. By rummaging through your waste or purchasing a used computer at a thrift store or rummage sale, those with just a little knowledge in the technology realm can access all of the private information that was originally stored on your machine.