With all of the rules regarding document retention, it may seem easier just to keep everything rather than risk throwing a necessary document into the rubbish bin or shredder. This policy leads to one major problem: overflowing archives. Keeping track of all of this excess paper is both challenging and risky: the more confidential information you have floating around your office, the more you are at risk of a data breach. If this description fits you, give us a call. Shred On Site can help with your archive box clean out. We will bring our mobile shredding truck straight to your door.
Sort Your Archives
While there are many documents you can safely dispose of, there are some you need to save for legal or tax purposes, or because it may be hard to obtain a copy of a specific document. For example, tax documents should be kept for five years from the date you lodge your tax return. If your business has any sort of dispute with the taxation office, you should keep your documents until your dispute is resolved. According to the Australian Taxation Office, all employee and contractor records should also be kept for five years. You should also keep all records that pertain to establishing, running and selling your business. If you need more information on what records you need to keep, you should consult the taxation office website or an attorney. When it is time to dispose of any of these documents, we will be ready to assist you with all of your shredding needs.
Why is Document Destruction Important?
Having a good office clean out is helpful for a number of reasons, including creating more space and a better workflow for your office. Having an organised office is also essential for keeping track of important documents, and, more importantly, destroying them in a timely fashion. Compliant Document Destruction means you are following the Federal Government’s Privacy Amendment Act 2012. You and your business could be facing millions of dollars in fines if you do not promptly destroy certain documents, especially if they are involved in a data breach. We are familiar with this law, and can help you determine whether or not you are meeting its requirements. After we finish shredding your old documents, you’ll receive a Certificate of Destruction proving you took necessary steps to destroy unneeded documents and prevent identity theft.
Regularly organising and destroying your archives will protect your business from incurring fines or becoming a victim of identity theft. It will also will just help your business run more smoothly. Start the New Year with a clean office. Call us today for a quote.
