The U.S. Treasury receives millions of unclaimed properties each and every year. Because they are unclaimed, they are simply turned over to the Treasury and kept there. Thanks to the internet, there are now many websites that keep track of all these properties, giving you the opportunity to find out whether some of these are yours. You may not be aware of the fact that you have unclaimed money waiting for you. The following steps will help you claim unclaimed money, if any are available to you. Good luck!
1.) Find Out Whether You Can Claim Unclaimed Money
First of all, you need to know whether there is any unclaimed money out there for you. It can come from old bank accounts, insurance policies, bonds, stocks, payroll, dividends, security deposits, uncashed checks, escrow accounts, trust funds, government benefits, pension funds or inheritances. If you believe that some of these funds may exist in your name, it is time to head online and start finding out whether you can claim unclaimed money.
2.) Use A Government Program Database To Search Unclaimed Properties
The best website to go to is that of the NAUPA (National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators). This program allows you to search each individual state, allowing you to look for properties wherever they may be available. Through the NAUPA website, you will be directed to the Treasury website in your state. There, information will be listed on how you can claim business or personal properties that have been turned over.
3.) Use Provincial And State Government Databases To Claim Unclaimed Money
There are a number of other websites that you can use to find out whether any money is owed to you. MissingMoney.com is very good, and has been endorsed by NAUPA. It is completely free to use. Simply enter your first and last name and the state where you currently live in, and the database will look at whether there are any matches.
4.) Start Claiming Your Money
Whichever website you used in order to find out whether there is any money available for you to claim will also have instructions on how to proceed. Most of the time, you can start your claim online and scan all the necessary documents. Alternatively, you can have a claim form sent to you, which you will need to take to a notary public to have it notarized. Each state will have different requirements and instructions. If in doubt, contact your Treasury department, or that of the state in which you are claiming, and ask for further guidelines.
5.) If Applicable, Receive Your Money From The IRS
The IRS may have voided, lost or been unable to deliver refund checks to you. For instance, if your name or address changed. Any tax refund owed can be reissued. However, if you believe you are due a tax refund but you did not file a return, for instance, if you didn't pay taxes or had an income that was too low, you will need to file a return first.