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Tax season might be over, but the threat to your personal information isn’t. Once you’ve filed, your old tax documents don’t just sit around collecting dust—they collect risk. Identity thieves know that the post-tax season window is prime time for snatching leftover financial info.

If you’re not actively destroying unneeded tax documents and outdated digital files, you’re leaving a door wide open. Let’s change that.

Tax Season’s Dirty Secret: How Your Info Stays Vulnerable

Think identity theft only happens during tax time? Think again. Once your taxes are filed, most people stash away forms, receipts, and personal documents in a drawer or a desktop folder and forget about them. That’s where the problem starts.

Fraudsters target discarded or poorly stored documents long after tax season is done. A single old return could expose your name, address, Social Insurance Number, income, and even your banking details.

Common Mistakes People Make with Old Tax Docs

Here’s where most people slip up:

• Keeping too much for too long: You don’t need every receipt or T4 from the last 15 years.
  
• Storing documents in non-secure locations: Think garage boxes, open filing cabinets, or your downloads folder.
  
• Throwing sensitive papers in the trash instead of shredding them
  
• Assuming that digital files are safer than physical ones
  

These habits give identity thieves exactly what they’re hoping for: easy access.

If you're unsure what to keep or get rid of, this guide breaks it down: which tax records to keep (and what to shred)

What You Should Be Shredding (But Probably Aren’t)

Most people know to shred tax returns, but there’s more you should be adding to your shred pile:

• Photocopies of IDs used during tax prep
  
• Old pay stubs
  
• Banking documents and cancelled cheques
  
• Tax software printouts
  
• Notes or lists of login credentials
  
• USBs or CDs with stored tax files
  

The safest approach? If you don’t need it for compliance, destroy it completely.

Why Digital Files Need Destruction, Too

Your hard drive holds just as many secrets as your filing cabinet. But deleting files doesn’t make them disappear. Even formatted drives can be recovered with free tools.

Digital file destruction requires specialized equipment and know-how. If you're relying on the delete button, you’re not protected.

Looking for a trusted option in the GTA? Secure on-site shredding from a certified provider ensures your sensitive files are gone for good, whether they’re on paper or a hard drive.

DIY Shredding Can Cost You

It might feel cheaper to buy a shredder and do it yourself, but household shredders often leave papers partially intact, and that’s all it takes for a data breach.

Plus, there’s the time, energy, and noise. Not to mention, you’re still on the hook for properly disposing of shredded materials. If you're curious about why this route is riskier than it seems, here's what you need to know: DIY shredding can cost you

Why Absolute Destruction Makes Identity Protection Easy

Absolute Destruction offers residential document destruction services across the GTA, making it easy for individuals and families to securely dispose of both paper and digital data. Whether you’re a homeowner, freelancer, or remote worker with stacks of tax paperwork, their team comes directly to your location.

They also serve businesses, healthcare providers, and schools with discreet, NAID AAA-certified solutions.

Credit: Getty Images Signature

Image Alt Text: Shredded documents with a banner reading “Keep Your Personal Info Safe—Shred Smart After Filing Your Taxes,” from Absolute Destruction & Recycling Corp., a Canadian shredding service.

Why More GTA Residents Trust Absolute Destruction

• Over 20 years of local experience
  
• Eco-conscious, secure disposal
  
• On-demand and scheduled pick-up options
  
• Hard drive and media destruction available
  
• Fully insured and background-checked staff
  

Whether you need a one-time purge or recurring service, Absolute Destruction makes it simple—and secure.

Ready to Shred the Risk?

This year, don’t just file your taxes and forget about the aftermath. Protect your identity by taking action now.To explore all of Absolute Destruction’s services and locations, see all service locations.