Unclaimed Property Categories
Types of Unclaimed Property
Unclaimed property can take many forms. Below are common categories that may be reported to state programs and connected to individuals, estates, or businesses.
Dormant Bank Accounts
Checking or savings accounts with no activity for an extended period may be reported as unclaimed property.
Certificates of Deposit
CDs that have matured or been forgotten may be turned over to the state.
Stocks and Investment Accounts
Securities and investment holdings that have had no owner activity.
Dividends and Distributions
Uncashed dividend checks or distributions owed to shareholders.
Uncashed Checks
Payroll, vendor, or other checks that were never cashed within the required period.
Refunds
Tax refunds, utility refunds, or other overpayments that were never claimed.
Insurance Proceeds
Life insurance benefits or policy proceeds that went unclaimed.
Retirement and Employee-Benefit Funds
Pension benefits or retirement account balances owed to former employees.
Escrow Balances
Remaining escrow funds from real estate or other transactions.
Royalties and Mineral Interests
Oil, gas, or mineral royalty payments that were undeliverable.
Utility Deposits
Security deposits from utility companies that were never returned.
Trust and Estate Assets
Assets held in trust or estate proceedings awaiting distribution.
Court-Held Funds
Funds held by courts in litigation or other proceedings.
Government-Held Funds
Various government-held payments or disbursements awaiting claim.
Business and Corporate Property
Assets reported under a business name, including deposits and refunds.
Other Reported Financial Property
Additional categories of financial property that states may hold.
How Property Becomes Unclaimed
Financial accounts, checks, and other assets can become unclaimed when there is no owner activity for a period set by state law—often three to five years. The institution holding the property is then required to report and transfer it to the state's unclaimed-property program.
Who Reports Unclaimed Property?
Banks, insurance companies, corporations, utilities, and other entities are required by law to report dormant accounts, uncashed checks, and other unclaimed assets to state governments. Each state maintains its own unclaimed-property program and database.
Property owners may be able to file claims directly with the applicable government agency or property holder without hiring a recovery service. Recover My Property is a private company and is not a government agency.
Which Category Applies to You?
If you're unsure which type of unclaimed property may be connected to you, we can help you understand the record we found and what it may involve.
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