How to find unclaimed money from the government | USAGov (2024)

Find unclaimed funds held by the government that might be owed to you.

What is unclaimed money?

If a business, financial institution, or government owes you money that you did not collect, it is considered unclaimed money or property.

You may be able to file for unclaimed money owed to you or that was owed to a deceased relative if you are their legal heir.

Search by state

Most unclaimed money is held by state governments from sources such as bank accounts, insurance policies, or state agencies.

Search for unclaimed money from your state’s unclaimed property office. If you have lived in other states, check their unclaimed property offices, too.

Search other databases

There is no single government database for all unclaimed money. Use each separate database in the links below to search for each type of unclaimed money.

Search for unclaimed moneyDatabase or agency

Employers

Unclaimed insurance money

Taxes

Investments

SEC enforcement funds – Search the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) database for money from an investment enforcement case.

Bank failures

Savings bonds

Use TreasuryHunt.gov to find matured savings bonds that have stopped earning interest. You can also learn how to replace a lost or destroyed savings bond.

Bankruptcies

Use the U.S. Courts Unclaimed Funds Locator to search for money you may be owed after a person or business declared bankruptcy.

Individual Indian Money (IIM) accountsThe Department of the Interior'sBureau of Trust Funds Administration(BTFA) manages Individual Indian Money (IIM) accountsfor Native American and Alaska Native beneficiaries. Check the Whereabouts Unknown search toolto see if you have an unclaimed account.

LAST UPDATED: November 13, 2023

Have a question?

Ask a real person any government-related question for free. They will get you the answer or let you know where to find it.

How to find unclaimed money from the government | USAGov (2024)

FAQs

How to find unclaimed money from the government | USAGov? ›

Search by state

What is the best site to search for unclaimed money? ›

www.unclaimed.org is the website of the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators. This is a legitimate site created by state officials to help people search for funds that may belong to you or your relatives. Searches are free.

How do I find unclaimed IRS refunds? ›

If you were expecting a federal tax refund and did not receive it, check the IRS Where's My Refund page. You will need to enter your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact whole dollar amount of your refund.

How to claim find mass money? ›

Claiming your money is also free when you use the official state website, findmassmoney.com. The process only takes a few minutes of your time. If you find your name on the list, you'll be prompted to answer a few questions to verify your identity and finally claim that money.

How do I find unclaimed stimulus money? ›

What if my stimulus money was issued, but was lost, stolen or destroyed? You can start a payment trace by calling the IRS at 800-919-9835. Or mail or fax a completed Form 3911, Taxpayer Statement Regarding Refund, to the IRS. For more information about payment tracing go to IRS Payment Trace.

How to find unclaimed money 5 free ways to track down your lost or forgotten assets? ›

How to find lost money
  1. The IRS website for any undeliverable tax refunds.
  2. The Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation for unclaimed pension money.
  3. The U.S. Treasury Hunt for unclaimed savings bonds, registered Treasury notes or registered Treasury bonds.

Is the Missing money website legit? ›

MissingMoney.com is a web portal created by participating U.S. states to allow individuals to search for unclaimed funds. It was established in November 1999, as a joint effort between the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators (NAUPA) and financial services provider CheckFree.

How do I know if I have money from the government? ›

Search by state

Most unclaimed money is held by state governments from sources such as bank accounts, insurance policies, or state agencies. Search for unclaimed money from your state's unclaimed property office. If you have lived in other states, check their unclaimed property offices, too.

How long does the IRS hold unclaimed money? ›

The IRS is required to keep the filing open and hold on to unclaimed income tax refunds for three years. If you don't file for the tax refund after three years, the money becomes property of the US Treasury, and you won't be able to get it back.

How to claim an old tax refund? ›

Be sure to include:
  1. Your name.
  2. Tax year.
  3. Subject: Old refund check.
  4. A signature (you or your authorized representative)
  5. Original or copy of the check, if available (Don't write VOID on the check) Mail to: Returned Warrant Desk MS F283. Franchise Tax Board PO Box 942867. Sacramento CA 94267-0001.

How do I claim unclaimed amount? ›

How To Claim Unclaimed Deposits?
  1. Visit the bank where the account or deposit exists.
  2. Fill up the “claim form” with all relevant details about yourself and the account.
  3. Submit the form along with relevant documents such as KYC documents, deposit receipts and photographs.
Mar 13, 2024

How does Find Mass money work? ›

Claiming your property is simple and free when done through the official state website, findmassmoney.com. If you find your name on the list, you'll need to answer a few questions to verify your identity and claim your money. Expect to get a check in the mail a few days or weeks later.

What do outstanding checks mean on Find Mass money? ›

A check becomes outstanding simply by not being cashed or deposited. A check that was written moments, weeks, or even months ago is considered outstanding if it has not yet been cashed or deposited.

Can I get free money? ›

The government does not offer "free money" for individuals. Federal grants are typically only for states and organizations.

Is it too late to claim stimulus money? ›

If you haven't received your $3,200 in stimulus checks, you can still claim the full amounts by filing your 2020 and 2021 tax returns by May 17th, 2024.

Can you still get unclaimed stimulus checks? ›

Yes, you can still get your stimulus checks if you haven't filed your 2020 and 2021 tax returns and didn't receive the stimulus money. To claim your stimulus payment, file your 2020 and 2021 tax returns and apply for the Recovery Rebate Credit on these returns.

How do I find unclaimed money in CA? ›

Owners can search and claim their property for free but will need to verify their ownership. People can call 800-992-4647 with questions. People can also call the same number if they think the state has their property but they can't see it listed on the website.

How to find unclaimed money in Texas for free? ›

Business and individuals can search for their unclaimed property at ClaimItTexas.gov.

How to claim unclaimed money in Texas? ›

Find your unclaimed property on ClaimItTexas.org. Create a claim online and provide supporting documentation if required. We'll evaluate the documentation and: If needed, request additional documentation to identify rightful owner.

How long does the state of California hold unclaimed funds? ›

Claims have been received and are being evaluated and processed. Items with an "A" under the "Type" column may be claimed through the process outlined in this website until the end of the statutory three-year holding period. At the end of the period, the "Type" will be changed to a "D", designating the claim deadline.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Barbera Armstrong

Last Updated:

Views: 5907

Rating: 4.9 / 5 (79 voted)

Reviews: 86% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Barbera Armstrong

Birthday: 1992-09-12

Address: Suite 993 99852 Daugherty Causeway, Ritchiehaven, VT 49630

Phone: +5026838435397

Job: National Engineer

Hobby: Listening to music, Board games, Photography, Ice skating, LARPing, Kite flying, Rugby

Introduction: My name is Barbera Armstrong, I am a lovely, delightful, cooperative, funny, enchanting, vivacious, tender person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.