We have sold our property in Italy but held onto all the paid bills, statements and paperwork. Is there ever a time when it is safe to throw this all away?
I remember when we bought in 2005 being told to keep every bit of paper and correspondence as there was no time limit for issues to arise!

I would scan them before dumping....

Finanzaonline says a minimum of 10 years is normal for most financial documents.

Isn't there some legislation out there somewhere that rules that you can't be chased for bills and stuff after 10 years have passed?

For example: Gentile Signora - according to our records you have an unpaid electricity bill from December 1999. You owe us €189. Pay up.

Dear Electricity company - sod off. That was more than 10 years ago. Not my fault you didn't get your act together earlier.

Nice post!

Ten years is the rule for the tax office, but five years for nearly everything else.