Are there any other fees besides the quoted fee for service?

No, at Southland Shredding we do not believe in charging any add-on fees like fuel surcharges, container-lease fees, or out-of-service fees. The price you are quoted is the price you will pay.

Can we pick any day for service that we want?

No, we arrange our routes to be done as economically as possible, which means we service certain areas on certain days. Our Zip Code Locator will tell you what day we service your area.

What do you mean by 'standard file-size box,' and does our material have to be in boxes?

A standard file-size box measures 12″ x 16″ x 12″, similar to a copy paper box. No, your material does not have to be in boxes. It may be gathered in bags, boxes, plastic containers, laid out on tables, or it may still be in file cabinets.

Do you make appointments?

No, we schedule jobs for certain days in certain cities according to our routes, and we will give you a two-hour window of time so you are not waiting for us all day. With traffic the way it is, we may run ahead or behind; but we will certainly try our best to be within two hours of the scheduled time.

Do you have a minimum charge?

$100 for up to fourteen (14) boxes or two 64-gallon containers worth of material. A job this size will take no more than fifteen minutes of your time. If you have recently done any shredding with a personal shredder, you realize what a deal this is.

Is it ok to leave on fasteners?

Yes, our machinery will tear up all fasteners so there is no need to remove them. During the recycle process, all metal is removed through magnetization and screening.

Are there materials you don't shred?

We don’t shred X-rays or plastic media on-site; but all this material can be shredded off-site.

Why don't you take the cardboard boxes?

Although cardboard is recyclable, the fiber content is different than that of paper; therefore, these materials cannot be mixed and remain recyclable. So, unfortunately, we cannot shred your cardboard box as we do recycle all paper. Mobile shred trucks are not built with storage capacity; thus, we are not able to haul off boxes.

Are you NAID (National Association for Information Destruction) certified?

Yes we are NAID AAA Certified for both on-site and drop off document destruction.

Why do you not publish a price list?

There are too many variables that may affect the price for any given job. Your location and quantity of material are factors in determining our fee. Speak to one of our customer service representatives for pricing information. A relatively accurate box count is required for all quotes.

Do your personnel physically touch our material to be shredded?

No, but they are constantly viewing the material to be sure there are no contaminants going into the shredder. We have found corporate stamps, staplers, pens, and other items that do not need to be shredded and will remove them before they go into the shredder.

Shredding Blog

Tax Shredding FAQs: Post-Tax Season Document Disposal Questions

As the dust settles from another tax season, it’s time to start thinking about what to do with all those documents that were used to file your taxes. Most people are familiar with shredding sensitive documents before throwing them away, but it’s not always clear when and how exactly this should be done. In this blog post, we’ll dive into some common questions surrounding document disposal after tax season, also known as “tax shredding”. By understanding the importance of proper document disposal and knowing the answers to frequently asked questions, you can ensure your personal information stays safe and secure while also staying compliant with any legal requirements.

What Is Tax Shredding?

Tax shredding refers to disposing of old and unnecessary documents related to your taxes. This includes receipts, bank statements, pay stubs, tax returns, and any other financial records that are no longer needed.

Why Is It Important To Shred Tax-Related Documents?

Shredding tax-related documents is crucial for several reasons:

Prevents Identity Theft

Tax documents contain sensitive information such as Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, and other personal details that identity thieves can use.

Compliance With Regulations

Properly disposing of financial records is necessary to comply with government regulations such as the Fair and Accurate Credit Transaction Act (FACTA) and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

Saves Space

Shredding old documents helps free up space in your home or office, making it easier to stay organized.

Reduces Risk Of Fraud

By shredding documents, you eliminate the risk of someone finding them and using the information for fraudulent purposes.

Protects The Environment

Shredding documents instead of throwing them in the trash helps reduce waste and promotes recycling.

When Should I Shred My Tax-Related Documents?

The recommended timeline for shredding tax-related documents depends on the type of document. Here are some general guidelines:

Tax returns and supporting documents: Keep these records for at least 7 years after filing in case of an audit.
W-2 forms and 1099s: Keep these records for at least four years after filing.
Receipts and other financial documents: Keep these records for at least three years, or longer if necessary, for tax purposes or warranty claims.

How Should I Dispose Of My Tax-Related Documents?

Shredding tax-related documents is the most secure way to dispose of them. You can invest in a personal or office shredder or use a professional document destruction service. It’s important to ensure the shredding method you choose meets government regulations for data destruction.

Can I Keep Digital Copies Of My Tax-Related Documents Instead Of Physical Copies?

Yes, keeping digital copies of your tax-related documents is an option. However, it’s important to ensure that the digital versions are encrypted and backed up in a secure location. It’s also recommended that physical copies be kept as a backup in case of technical issues.

Are There Any Tax-Related Documents That I Should Never Shred?

Yes, there are certain tax-related documents that you should never shred, such as:

Original Tax Return Forms

These are the core documents filed with the IRS and should be kept indefinitely. Original tax returns are a vital record of your tax history and may be needed for legal or financial reasons.

Audit Reports

If you have undergone any tax audits, keeping the final report and any documentation provided by the IRS or your tax preparer pertaining to the audit is crucial. These documents should be retained indefinitely as they provide proof of the audit’s outcome and the information reviewed.

Major Financial Documents

Documents related to the purchase or sale of significant assets (like your home or investments) should be kept indefinitely. When calculating cost bases and capital gains or losses, these records are essential for tax purposes.

Legal Documents And Records Of Tax Payments

Documents such as divorce decrees, alimony payments, and records of tax payments should not be shredded. These documents can have long-term legal and tax implications.

IRS Notices

Any notices or letters received from the IRS should be kept indefinitely. These documents can contain important information about your tax account, adjustments, or decisions made by the IRS.

Keeping these documents secure and organized can protect you in the case of future disputes, audits, or when calculating taxes owed on the sale of assets. It is also wise to regularly review your document retention practices to ensure compliance and security.

Can I Shred Documents Myself, Or Should I Use A Professional Service?

While home shredders are an option, you might need to be a more powerful shredder for large volumes of documents or offer the level of security you need. Professional shredding companies guarantee complete document destruction with cross-cut shredding, ensuring your information is unrecoverable. Additionally, they often offer convenient services like on-site shredding or secure drop-off locations.

How Do You Choose A Professional Service?

When selecting a professional shredding service, there are a few factors to consider:

Reputation: Research the company’s reputation and read reviews from other customers.
Certifications and Compliance: Make sure the company is certified by a reputable organization and follows government regulations for document destruction.
Security Procedures: Inquire about their security procedures, such as how documents are transported and stored before shredding.
Pricing: Compare prices from different companies to ensure you are getting the best value for your money.
Convenience: Consider the convenience of their services, such as on-site shredding or secure drop-off locations.

Conclusion

Properly disposing of tax-related documents is essential for protecting your personal and financial information. Shredding these documents helps prevent identity theft and ensures compliance with regulations. It’s important to follow the recommended timelines for shredding. Certain documents, such as original tax returns and audit reports, should always be kept. When choosing Southland Shredding Services, you can trust that your documents will be securely and effectively destroyed. Our certified team follows strict security procedures to ensure complete document destruction, offering convenience and peace of mind for our customers. Start shredding your tax-related documents by contacting us today!

Southland Shredding is NAID AAA Certified

i-SIGMA is the standards-setting body for the information destruction industry. NAID AAA Certification verifies the qualifications of certified information destruction providers through a comprehensive scheduled and unannounced audit program.

Service is the Difference