Keeping financial documents when leaving the country

[brit_la 1]

So, after finally getting my K1 approved im now starting the slow process of preparing for the move. I have files and files of previous credit card statements, bills and all of my tax records.

My question is then, do I need to keep all these? I dont know if they would be any use in the US or if I need to keep them in case something in the future requires them. Probably not really the credit card statements, Im more thinking about the tax records. All my P45, P60s etc..

Im just trying to get rid of everything I possibly can, and dont like the thought of lugging a bunch of papers over, when its not needed.

Any thoughts appreciated

[Trompe le Monde 1,107]

I'd definitely keep your tax records for at least a couple of years - you will at least want them when you file taxes next year

[brit_la 1]

I'd definitely keep your tax records for at least a couple of years - you will at least want them when you file taxes next year

I will need my UK tax records for filing taxes in America?

[Trompe le Monde 1,107]

you'll want to reference them for the earned income exclusion on your 2010 tax return, assuming you earned income this year. The IRS doesn't require you to submit them, but I would want to hang on to them just in case.

[brit_la 1]

you'll want to reference them for the earned income exclusion on your 2010 tax return, assuming you earned income this year. The IRS doesn't require you to submit them, but I would want to hang on to them just in case.

Oh, well Im not in the US yet, so wont be filing for taxes this year. I know that I need to keep my records for that for the past couple years, just in case, but what I wanted to know was, is this something I need for anything, when I move to America? Do they need any of my tax records, from the UK for any reason? I just wondered if these are things I can leave at my mums house, instead of shipping loads of unnecessary paperwork...

[Trompe le Monde 1,107]

but you will come here this year and file taxes next year for 2010

I would personally bring it, just in case. For example when I returned to the US I had zero credit because I'd been away for 10 years, but I was able to prove that I had steady income in the UK for prior years to rent an apartment. I can't think you would definitely need to have it, just that it may come in handy. I'm not thinking a lot of paperwork, just P45s and P60s - you can probably trash the credit card bills.

Just as an aside, I'm dealing with a tax issue for the year 2005 (the year I moved) and it's been useful to have them handy.

[brit_la 1]

but you will come here this year and file taxes next year for 2010

I would personally bring it, just in case. For example when I returned to the US I had zero credit because I'd been away for 10 years, but I was able to prove that I had steady income in the UK for prior years to rent an apartment. I can't think you would definitely need to have it, just that it may come in handy. I'm not thinking a lot of paperwork, just P45s and P60s - you can probably trash the credit card bills.

Just as an aside, I'm dealing with a tax issue for the year 2005 (the year I moved) and it's been useful to have them handy.

Ahhh, yes, didnt think about filing next year good thinking.

Thats really helpful though, thanks for that. I guess I can get rid of all my payslips if I have my P45s etc?

Thanks for your help