FSS Newsletter - May 2014 

Do you have unclaimed property?

According to claimittexas.org, "one in four Texans has unclaimed property from forgotten bank accounts, uncashed checks, security deposits and utility refunds. There is currently $3 billion in property that has not been claimed and approximately $800 million in shared property that has been partially claimed and paid to some of the owners."

The following Frequently Asked Questions regarding unclaimed property will help you identify and claim any unclaimed property held in your name. This information is provided from the Texas Comptroller.

What is unclaimed property?

Unclaimed Property is any financial asset that has been abandoned by an owner for one or more years.

What are some examples of unclaimed property?

• Dividend, payroll or cashier's checks

• Stocks, mutual fund accounts, bonds

• Utility deposits and other refunds

• Bank accounts and safe deposit box contents

• Insurance proceeds

• Mineral interest or royalty payments

• Court deposits, trust funds, escrow accounts

Where do I search to determine if I have a claim?

For Texas property - https://mycpa.cpa.state.tx.us/up/Search.jsp 

For all other states - http://www.unclaimed.org/ 

How do I claim the property?

The sites listed above will provide simple step-by-step instructions for claiming any property held in your name.

Is there a time limit for claiming property?

No, the Comptroller's office acts only as custodian for the missing owners, holding the property in trust until it is claimed. Texas never takes legal ownership of the property, so there is no time limit for filing a claim.

We hope you find the above information helpful. If you need any assistance in making a claim please feel free to contact our office.

Sincerely yours,