Find money by searching your state’s unclaimed property website
Finding out you have a credit on your account or an extra few dollars on a gift card or prepaid debit card can start your day off right or make you feel like you have caught a bit of good luck. The following is one more opportunity that may be available to you to catch a bit of luck and add a few more dollars to your wallet.
What is unclaimed property?
Unclaimed property is considered any tangible or intangible property that has gone unclaimed by its owner for an extended period of time. Some examples of unclaimed property include:
- Gift cards
- Deposits
- Un-cashed refunds
- Abandoned savings accounts
- Orphaned 401k accounts
- Insurance proceeds
A February 2020 study by smartasset estimates 49.5 billion dollars of unclaimed property exists in the United States and of that amount approximately 1.5 billion dollars is estimated to be custodied by the State of Virginia1.
Each state has a dedicated website (typically connected to the state’s Treasury Department) that you may search to find out if you have unclaimed property. The state’s website may typically be found using a search term such as “state name’s unclaimed property”. We recommend you search all versions of your name on the websites for the states in which you currently or have previously resided. Based on the mechanics of the Virginia unclaimed property website (each state’s website may be a little different), once the site generates the results, you may proceed with claiming the property. Filing the claim may require you to provide some proofs of identity such as a copy of your driver’s license, a tax document and/or a completed and executed Form W-9.
Virginia and surrounding states unclaimed property websites
Unclaimed property reminder for businesses
Review your business records to be sure you do not need to remit/turn over any unclaimed property to a state. For more information, access our additional Unclaimed Property article:
If you have questions specific to your situation, please reach out to your Keiter Opportunity Advisor or Email | Call: 804.747.0000.
Reference 1: Smartasset: The Top States for Unclaimed Property
The information contained within this article is provided for informational purposes only and is current as of the date published. Online readers are advised not to act upon this information without seeking the service of a professional accountant, as this article is not a substitute for obtaining accounting, tax, or financial advice from a professional accountant.
