Personal Documents Everyone Should Have Stored in a Safe Location

Some personal documents must be in a safe location, preferably in something that’ll protect those documents from theft, fire, and even water. You can replace documents, but doing so can take a long time and be pretty inconvenient. The following are some documents you need to place in a safe place.

Birth Certificate

An important document you have to keep safe is your birth certificate. You won’t use this document often, but it’s needed now and then, like when you’re getting a passport. If someone asks you for your birth certificate, see if you can just bring in a copy of it to avoid putting your original document in any danger. One of the most common concerns is if I lost my birth certificate, can I get a new one? The good thing is you can replace it, but it will take some work. You’ll need to contact the vital records office in the state you were born, follow the instructions, and pay any fees.

Social Security Cards

Despite their flimsiness, social security cards are essential documents meant to last decades. Most of the time, you can get away with never taking this card anywhere. Usually, when you’re asked about your number, agencies and businesses typically just want the last four digits and nothing more. The problem is you won’t be able to get away from this at all times. Again, if you need to provide your security card to someone, make sure you only provide a copy if you can. It’s best to keep your card in a safe place. Keep in mind that identity theft is possible should you misplace this card. To replace your social security card, you’ll need to request a replacement online or by visiting your local SSA office. This may take some time, and you’ll need to provide immigration status, identity documents, and work authorization papers.

Wills

Wills are important and need to be secure. Once you’re done with it, you’ll probably be happy, so the chances you have to take it out for any reason are low. Still, even the most cautious person can lose something, and if you lose your will, you’ll have to go to court and request a copy. This does take some time. You will have to formally request it, pay associated fees, and wait for a copy of the will to be issued to you. This could happen through email or sometimes by fax. Other times, the will is just sent through the regular mail. It takes some time to receive the copy of your will, so make sure you’re patient.

Property Records

Property records should also be kept safe. This includes titles, deeds, and car titles, just to name a few. All of these are important documents that could put your property in danger, and you don’t want that. The good thing is the likelihood that you’ll need to take these documents out of their safe location is low unless you’re thinking of selling some of your property. If you lose your property records, you’re going to have to replace whatever you lost. You’re going to have to talk to your Secretary of State Office if you lost your car title. You’ll have to pay nominal fees and fill out an application. If you lost your deed, you’d have to visit the land registry office and obtain your copy there.

Taxes

Filing your taxes is crucial and required by law. Every year you file, you have to share personal information. You have to keep all documents safe as you may have to show your forms or tax return for various reasons. For example, if you’re ever audited, the IRS expects you to have certain documents for review. If you need to replace lost tax records, you’ll have to talk to the IRS. Hiring a tax consultant or tax attorney may also be necessary. You’ll have to fill out various forms like Form 4506 to obtain your records. This process can take a while, but with a bit of patience, you’ll get what you need.

Hopefully, all of this information helps you out and helps you keep everything safe.