Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with paperwork

Recommendations for keeping lots of paperwork organized and on track for completion?

wiskunde — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 20:14:17 -0800

I will have a fair amount of paperwork to organize and complete over the next year. I'd like to know about any efficient methods (preferably electronic) to keep track of my progress, needed information, and deadlines for each section of paperwork. I will be starting a graduate program in education soon and have been warned by students in the program that staying on top of all of the paperwork that must be completed is a big challenge. I'd like to have some ideas for a system or two for organizing and completing all of the paperwork before I start getting swamped.

I normally use a to-do list and/or planner for completing projects and assignments. This works relatively well, but I'd like to keep better track of my progress as I complete sections of paperwork and have either software or some other electronic document to do so. Does anyone have a system for doing this that they find especially helpful? Is there good (and relatively inexpensive or free) software that will help me do this?

If I WERE a complete idiot, I MAY have done THIS....

Spyder's Game — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 10:02:06 -0800

Sensitive information left out on a desk...uh, hypothetically. Assume for a second that I'm a complete idiot. Imagine that I, hypothetically, left out some paperwork on my work desk overnight. This is a light traffic area, and unlikely to be seen or noticed by many. Paperwork was upside down. Unfortunately, this hypothetical paperwork contained a voided check with my bank, routing number, account number, my name and my (hypothetical) wife's, and our address.

What kind of damage could someone do with information like that?

How would they do it? Would they need to make up a fake driver's license with my name and their picture on it?

What should I be vigilant about looking at to avoid losing any money for my hypothetical boneheadedness? Bank statements? Should I think about putting a freeze on my account?

Anything else I should do, or be aware of?

Any reason to renew my driver's license if I plan to move abroad?

beautiful — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 13:30:12 -0800

Any reason to renew my driver's license if I plan to move abroad? I've lived in NYC for the past two years and have a Texas driver's license, expiring August 2008. By Aug, I plan to be living in Germany, for at least one year, if not indefinitely. I don't plan on driving in Germany, but it could happen for a road trip here or there.

1. Is there any reason I should renew my license? I hear that insurance rates might rise if I let my license lapse, but I'm not sure if I'll be driving once/if I move back to the US.

2. If I renew, should I renew in Texas or NY? And why? I don't plan to ever live in Texas, but my parents live there and take care of admin paperwork for me (mail collections, etc).

Can I digitize my financial records for Tax purposes?

Scramblejam — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 00:15:37 -0800

What are the UK legal system rules and regulations around storing financial, legal and official paperwork as scanned digital copies? I am currently in the process of scanning in and shredding a lot of old paperwork, notes and information which I have been storing for years - My priority at the moment is all my handwritten notes and personal correspondence (that which I'm not keeping physically for sentimental value).

I would like to begin scanning and storing all my "official" documentation - Bank statements, utility bills, mobile bills, invoices etc. but I am unsure of what I can and cannot do, and what is acceptable from a legal point of view.

I am part-time self-employed, and need to keep records of my documentation for 7 years but would like to keep everything as digital copies.

Can anyone enlighten me on the legal status of scanned documents in the UK? Can they be used as reference in legal and tax issues? Are there any precedents or recommendations on file formats or quality?

Digitising paperwork

edbyford — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 11:25:23 -0800

I want to digitise my paperwork! What is the best scanner/scanning program for this? I was searching through various folders, boxes, files etc etc etc for this one welcome letter I received from a bank, when I realised that I should really start scanning things.

I'd like a one-click (or as simple as possible) scanning program which can automatically rotate, do OCR (to make it searchable) and save the file with its name as the date of the statement, if possible.

Oh, and it should work under Linux, if possible.

Anybody got any ideas?

What Homeowner Documents Should I Keep?

willmize — Fri, 13 Jan 2006 06:12:28 -0800

I've owned my home for about 4 years now, and one of my New Year's resolutions is to get rid of a lot of clutter and extra paperwork sitting in my overstuffed filing cabinet. I've got at least 4" worth of forms, TIL statements, estimates, faxes between myself and the realtor, myself and the title company, myself and the lender, etc.
I get the feeling I can destroy a lot of this.
My question is: What documents do I need to keep with regards to purchasing the house? I'm thinking the following:
- home inspection
- plan/drawing of plot from engineers
- original appraisal and photos

Please add to this list!

How long do I need to keep household paperwork (ie bills, pay stubs, W-2s, etc.)?

keswick — Mon, 18 Oct 2004 19:09:51 -0800

How long do I need to keep household paperwork (ie bills, pay stubs, W-2s, etc, etc, etc.)?