Sort and shred your year-end paperwork with AI

Get a simple keep, scan or shred list and a folder plan for the pile on your counter.

The problem

The year-end paper pile keeps growing because it is not clear what to keep, what to scan and what to shred.

Step by step

1. 1Make piles by type, like bank, medical, tax, insurance and warranties.
2. 2Paste only the document types into the prompt below, never the contents or account numbers.
3. 3Check keep times for tax records at IRS.gov or with your tax preparer.
4. 4Scan what you keep into labeled folders.
5. 5Shred what is safe to shred and set a yearly reminder.

Copy-paste prompt

Help me sort my year-end paperwork. Document types I have: [list]. Don't ask for or use any account numbers or personal details. Give me: (1) a keep, scan or shred suggestion for each type, with retention times marked [CHECK IRS.GOV / PREPARER]; (2) a simple folder and file-naming plan; (3) a 30-minute sorting plan; (4) a yearly reminder routine. Don't give legal or tax advice.

Tips and watch-outs

• Keep account numbers and Social Security numbers out of the AI chat.
• Check how long to keep tax records at IRS.gov or with your tax preparer.
• Shred anything with account numbers or personal details.

Review AI output before using it. Don’t paste confidential, customer or patient data into tools your company hasn’t approved.