How to Find Money Owed to People by the Government

You might have money coming to you

Every year people lose track of old checking and savings accounts, certificates of deposits that have come due and other monetary assets. And every year the IRS fails to deliver tax refunds to people because of bad addresses and a lack of proper account information. When those funds go uncollected for a period of time, they are returned to the treasuries of the state's where the individuals last lived, and if they are not claimed by the people to whom they belong they go back into the state's coffers. Checking your state's unclaimed property database from time to time is the best way to make sure you are not leaving your money on the table.

Things You'll Need

• Internet access

Instructions

1. Log on to the website of the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators. The website address is unclaimed.org.

2. Find your state on the map and click on it. This will take you to the unclaimed property department in your own state.

3. Type your name in the search box. Your last name is required, but adding your first name can help narrow the search, especially if you have a very common name like Smith or Jones. Don't forget to search under your maiden name or any other names you have used.

4. Review the results of your search. The results will show the first name, last name and last known town of the individual to whom the unclaimed cash belongs. Fill out a claim form on the website if you feel that the money listed belongs to you.

References

• National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish