Chicago Unclaimed Property: Search & Claim Money

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Chicago, Illinois · Missing money · I-CASH · Refunds · Heirs · Businesses

Find Missing Money Tied to Chicago

Chicago unclaimed property can come from forgotten bank accounts, payroll checks, insurance payments, utility refunds, investments, safe-deposit boxes and other assets that eventually reached the Illinois State Treasurer for safekeeping.

This guide shows exactly where to search, how to recognize a real match, what proof to prepare, how to claim money for yourself or a deceased relative, how to track the claim, and when a Cook County property-tax refund requires a completely different search.

Start with the quick answer Search I-CASH correctly Check Cook County refunds
Chicago does not have one single “unclaimed money” database. For ordinary abandoned financial assets, start with the Illinois State Treasurer’s I-CASH system. If the money came from a Cook County property-tax overpayment, duplicate payment, tax refund or uncashed county refund check, use the Cook County Treasurer’s separate refund tools.

Quick answer: search Illinois I-CASH first

Enter your last name or business name in the official I-CASH search. Begin broadly, review every possible match connected to Chicago or an old Illinois address, select property that appears to be yours, continue to file the claim, and then follow the claim-specific document instructions the Treasurer sends you.

1 Search your name Start with fewer fields.
2 Recognize the property Compare old city, ZIP, holder and name.
3 File for free Never pay just to use I-CASH.
4 Track the Claim ID Save it after submission.

Important numbers before you start

$5B+ Statewide unclaimed property held by Illinois
Free Official I-CASH search and direct claim
Weekly Illinois says the owner database is updated weekly
No deadline Property remains claimable by the rightful owner or heir
12 weeks Possible time before first communication or payment

The safest next step is the state’s own search page. On that page, enter your surname or business name first. Add a first name, Chicago, an old ZIP code or Property ID only when the result list needs narrowing.

Open official I-CASH search Open I-CASH homepage

Choose the money problem you need to solve

Use the path that matches where the money came from or whose name appears on the record.

What may be waiting

Unclaimed property is usually ordinary money that lost contact with its owner

Illinois describes unclaimed property as an obligation a company or other holder owes to a person or business after contact with the owner has been lost. For many property types, inactivity for a period such as three years can eventually trigger reporting to the Treasurer.

Banking

Checking accounts, savings accounts, certificates of deposit and other dormant balances.

Employment

Uncashed payroll checks, commissions, reimbursements or vendor checks.

Insurance

Insurance checks, proceeds, refunds and other policy-related money.

Utilities

Old utility deposits, account credits and refund checks after moving.

Investments

Dividends, stocks, bonds, mutual-fund interests and related securities.

Payments

Money orders, uncashed checks, rebates, refunds and credit balances.

Safe-deposit boxes

Jewelry, coins, collectibles and other contents transferred under state rules.

Business property

Vendor refunds, old credits, checks and other assets reported under a business name.

Search after major life changes: moving apartments, changing banks, changing jobs, marriage or divorce, closing a business, handling an estate, refinancing, or changing utility providers are all good reasons to search again.
Result decoder

Do not claim a same-name result until the surrounding clues make sense

Owner name Compare the spelling with names you actually used.
Reported location Look for Chicago, a former ZIP code or another address tied to you.
Reporting holder Think about old banks, employers, insurers, utilities and companies you used.
Property type Decide whether the asset makes sense for your relationship with the holder.
Property ID Save this identifier when discussing a specific record.
Amount indicator A “?” can mean securities or safe-deposit-box contents rather than a displayed cash amount.
Same-name warning: a match on “John Smith” is not enough. Compare the old city or ZIP code, holder name, property type and other available clues before identifying the property as yours.

When a result says “?” instead of an amount

Illinois explains that a question mark in the amount column generally means the asset is a security—such as stock or mutual-fund interests—or the contents of a safe deposit box. Do not assume the property has zero value.

Privacy note: the Treasurer says it does not release specific property-value information by telephone before it receives a claim form or other written communication because of privacy concerns.
File a free claim

From “possible match” to an actual submitted claim

Select the property Use the CLAIM control beside the record that appears to belong to you.
Continue to file the claim Review every property you selected before proceeding.
Choose your relationship to the owner Select Owner, Heir, Representative or the relationship that actually applies.
Enter your current mailing address Illinois uses the claimant information and current address during processing and payment.
Review the preview carefully Confirm the claimant, relationship and property before final submission.
Save your Claim ID It appears in your claim paperwork and email and is used to check status.
Read the claim-form attachment The required supporting evidence can differ by property and claimant type.
Submit the required proof Upload, email or mail the documents using official Treasurer instructions.
Important: initiating the claim online is not always the final step. If the Treasurer sends a claim form or document list, complete those requirements before considering the claim finished.
Proof-of-ownership checklist

Prepare the documents that connect you to the property

The Illinois claim guide states that every claim requires at minimum a completed and signed claim form, photo identification and Social Security number information. Your claim email and attached form identify additional requirements for that specific claim.

Core claim packet

Completed claim form
Required signature
Copy of acceptable photo identification
Social Security number verification requested by the claim
Claim ID saved for your records
Additional ownership proof listed on the claim form

If the old address is the problem

When Illinois asks you to prove a previous address, provide a document that connects your name with that address. Official examples include old envelopes carrying a postal cancellation, school records and birth certificates where relevant.

Micro tip: do not upload a pile of unrelated paperwork. Start with the exact items listed on your claim form and use documents that clearly connect the claimant, prior owner information and reported address.

Three official ways to send claim documents

Secure upload

Use the I-CASH claim-document upload page.

Email

unclaimedproperty@illinoistreasurer.gov

Mail
Office of the Illinois State Treasurer
Unclaimed Property Division
P.O. Box 19495
Springfield, IL 62794-9495
Upload claim documents Review document instructions
Claim tracking

Save the Claim ID and understand what “waiting” means

01 Claim created

Save the Claim ID and confirmation email.

02 Documents received

The claim cannot move as a complete claim until required documentation is submitted and entered.

03 State review

Claims are generally reviewed in date order.

04 Decision / payment

The state may approve, request more proof or issue another communication.

Processing-time distinction: the Treasurer’s general FAQ says the period before your first communication or payment may be up to 12 weeks depending on claim volume. Separate current finder guidance states that once a claim is complete, the Treasurer generally must issue a decision within 90 days unless additional time is reasonably necessary.

How to check status

Open I-CASH Find the “Check a Claim’s Status” area.
Enter the Claim ID Use the number on the claim form or confirmation email.
Read the current status Check whether documents, review or another action is pending.
Respond only through official channels If more documents are requested, use the secure upload, official email or mailing address.
Check claim status on I-CASH Call 800-961-8303
Deceased owners and estates

You can search a deceased relative—but expect estate proof

Illinois holds property for rightful owners and heirs. When the named owner has died, the Treasurer must determine who has legal authority or inheritance rights before releasing the property.

Search before collecting paperwork

Search the deceased person’s legal name Also try maiden names, former surnames and business names they used.
Compare the reported city or ZIP Look for Chicago and any prior Illinois addresses connected to the deceased owner.
Select the correct relationship Choose Heir or Representative when that accurately describes your role.
Let the claim determine the document list Estate-document requirements vary depending on probate status, amount, ownership and family circumstances.

Estate documents that may matter

Death certificate

Used to establish the owner’s death.

Certified will

The Treasurer explains that a certified will should carry the court stamp showing the final will on file.

Letters of Office

If Letters of Office are more than three years old, Illinois says it may request a current copy.

Small Estate Affidavit

May apply to some estates that were not administered through full probate.

Capacity to Claim Affidavit

Another official form used in certain estate-claim situations.

Relationship evidence

Illinois may require proof establishing how the claimant is related to the deceased owner.

Do not assume “next of kin” alone is enough. Illinois follows estate and probate rules when deciding who can receive assets held in a deceased person’s name.
Review official heir FAQs
Chicago businesses and nonprofits

Search every legal and historical business name

Business changed legal name Search both the current entity and the prior registered name.
LLC or corporation suffix varies Search with and without LLC, Inc., Corp. or Corporation.
Company used a DBA Search the legal entity and the trade name separately.
Business closed Search the old legal name before assuming the money disappeared.
Entity merged Search predecessor and successor entities where appropriate.
Former Chicago office Try the old city or ZIP associated with the company’s reported address.
Authority matters: finding a company name does not mean any employee or former owner can collect the money. Follow the claim-generated instructions for documents showing authority to act for the business.
Enhanced Money Match

Some Illinois money is returned automatically

You may receive a real check without filing first

Illinois’ Enhanced Money Match program compares unclaimed-property records with other state information. When the Treasurer can verify a simple eligible owner match, it may send a letter and then a check without requiring a normal I-CASH claim.

The Treasurer reports that since 2018 the program has helped more than 870,000 people recover more than $130 million.

Money Match does not cover every asset

More likely to fit automatic matching

Simple cash property belonging to one person when ownership can be verified from available records.

May still require a normal claim
  • Property with multiple owners
  • Stocks or bond shares
  • Escrow accounts
  • Safe-deposit-box contents
  • Claims needing additional ownership proof
Receiving one Money Match check does not mean the search is finished. Illinois specifically recommends checking I-CASH because you may have additional property that could not be returned automatically.
Verify Money Match information Search for additional property
Separate Chicago homeowner search

Cook County property-tax refunds are not the same as I-CASH

Chicago property owners should run a second search when they may have overpaid Cook County real-estate taxes. The Cook County Treasurer currently says it is managing about $105 million in potential property-tax refunds.

$105M Current Cook County potential property-tax refunds advertised by the Treasurer
20 years Duplicate-payment refunds can reach back as far as two decades under the applicable rules
Separate search These refunds are checked through the Cook County Treasurer—not I-CASH

Why duplicate tax payments happen

Owner + mortgage company

Both parties paid the same property-tax installment.

Two household payments

Spouses or other parties independently paid the same bill.

Closing or refinance overlap

Multiple mortgage, banking or title-company payments hit the same property account.

Cook County refund micro-steps

Find the property PIN Use the Property Index Number from a Cook County tax bill, deed or property-tax record.
Open the Overpayment Refund Search Use the Cook County Treasurer’s own refund system.
Search the property Review whether the Treasurer shows an available overpayment or duplicate-payment refund.
Select “Apply Now” when offered Open the electronic refund application tied to the identified overpayment.
Attach one acceptable proof of payment for each payment Use documentation that shows who actually made the tax payment.
Save the refund application record Keep proof of submission and use the Treasurer’s refund-status search for follow-up.

Proof of payment Cook County lists

Copy of cancelled check
Cashier register receipt
Paid tax-sale redemption bill
Real-estate closing statement plus title-company check
Bank statement showing account holder and tax payment
Credit-card statement showing account holder and tax payment
Automatic-refund possibility: Cook County says some refunds can be processed automatically when its records clearly identify who made the overpayment. An application is needed when the office cannot determine the payer.

Also check these Cook County money categories

Uncashed refund check

Use the Cook County Treasurer’s Uncashed Check Search when a refund may already have been issued but never cashed.

Certificate of Error refund

If the Assessor issued and certified a Certificate of Error, use the Treasurer’s dedicated refund process and attach proof of payment.

Missing exemptions

The Treasurer’s property-tax overview currently advertises millions of dollars in potential missing senior exemptions. Check exemption history when applicable.

Search Cook County overpayments Search uncashed refund checks Read refund application steps
Fraud and paid-finder protection

You do not need to pay someone to run the official search

Direct state claim

Searching I-CASH and filing your own Illinois claim is free.

Paid finder

Illinois now requires unclaimed-property finders to be licensed and limits finder-agreement compensation to no more than 10% of the amount collected.

Before responding to an unclaimed-money message

Search the official I-CASH database yourself
Do not send identity documents to an unverified website
Check whether a paid finder is licensed when applicable
Read the fee percentage before signing anything
Verify unexpected state checks through the Treasurer
Use official upload, email or mailing channels for claim proof
Identity-theft risk is real. Illinois authorities have prosecuted cases involving fraudulent claims filed in other people’s names. Treat Social Security information, identification and address evidence as sensitive documents and submit them only through verified claim channels.

How to verify a Money Match check or notice

Verification call script “I received an Illinois unclaimed-property letter or check with my name on it. Before depositing it or providing information, I want to verify that it was issued through the Treasurer’s Unclaimed Property or Enhanced Money Match program. What identifying information can I safely provide to confirm it?”
Verify with Unclaimed Property: 217-785-6998 Review finder protections
Safe-deposit boxes and securities

A hidden dollar amount may mean the property is not ordinary cash

Securities

A question mark in the amount field can indicate stock, mutual-fund interests or another security. Follow the claim form because additional verification may apply.

Safe-deposit contents

Illinois receives contents from abandoned safe-deposit boxes. Some property may eventually be auctioned under state rules, while the owner’s rights to applicable proceeds remain protected.

Do not ignore a “?” result. It can represent an asset whose value is not shown as a simple cash amount.
Chicago and state contacts

Use the contact that matches your claim problem

Illinois Unclaimed Property

800-961-8303

217-785-6998

upcontact@illinoistreasurer.gov

Best for I-CASH search, claim and status questions.

Illinois Treasurer — Chicago Office
555 W. Monroe Street
14th Floor
Chicago, IL 60661

866-458-7327

Use the Treasurer’s contact page to schedule an in-person or online Chicago appointment.

Cook County Treasurer
118 North Clark Street
Room 112
Chicago, IL 60602

312-443-5100

Best for Cook County tax overpayments, refund checks and property-tax refund questions.

Have this ready before calling

Full legal or business name
Claim ID, if already filed
Property ID from I-CASH, if available
Former Chicago address or ZIP code
Reporting holder name
Cook County PIN for a property-tax refund
I-CASH help script “I found a possible I-CASH record for [name] connected to [old Chicago address or holder]. The Property ID is [ID] and my Claim ID is [ID, if filed]. I need help understanding [required proof, owner relationship, address verification or claim status].”
Open Illinois Unclaimed Property contacts Schedule / check Chicago office details Open Cook County Treasurer
Search maintenance

One search today does not mean you are finished forever

Illinois says the I-CASH database is updated weekly as new owner records are added. A search that returns nothing today can produce a result later after another bank, company, insurer, utility or holder transfers property to the state.

Search old names

Maiden names, former surnames, businesses and deceased relatives.

Search after moves

Old Chicago addresses and ZIP codes can help explain a match.

Keep accounts active

Illinois recommends maintaining contact with financial institutions and updating account information to help prevent property from becoming abandoned.

10 practical answers

Chicago unclaimed property FAQs

Where do Chicago residents search for unclaimed property?

Chicago residents generally search Illinois-held unclaimed property through the Illinois State Treasurer’s official I-CASH database. Cook County property-tax overpayments, uncashed tax-refund checks and similar local tax refunds use separate Cook County Treasurer tools.

Is Illinois I-CASH free to use?

Yes. The Illinois State Treasurer states that searching I-CASH and claiming property directly through the state is free.

What information should I enter in the I-CASH search?

The official search supports last or business name, first name, city, ZIP code and property ID. Start with the last name or business name and add Chicago, an old ZIP code or another field only when you need to narrow the results.

What documents are needed to claim Illinois unclaimed property?

The Treasurer’s claim guide states that every claim requires at minimum a completed and signed claim form, photo identification and Social Security number verification. The claim form or email identifies any additional proof required for that specific property.

How long does an Illinois unclaimed-property claim take?

The Illinois Treasurer says the time before the first communication or payment may be up to 12 weeks depending on claim volume. Once a claim is complete, applicable current guidance states that a decision generally must be issued within 90 days unless additional time is reasonably needed.

Is there a deadline to claim Illinois unclaimed property?

No. Illinois states that unclaimed property is held in a custodial capacity until the rightful owner or heir successfully claims it.

What does a question mark mean in the I-CASH amount column?

The Illinois Treasurer says a question mark generally indicates that the property is securities, such as stock or mutual-fund interests, or contents of a safe deposit box rather than a displayed cash amount.

Can I claim unclaimed property belonging to a deceased relative?

Potential heirs or representatives can file claims, but additional estate and relationship documents may be required. Depending on the estate, this can include a death certificate, certified will, Letters of Office, Small Estate Affidavit or other proof requested by the Treasurer.

How do I check for a Cook County property-tax refund?

Use the Cook County Treasurer’s official Overpayment Refund Search. Search the property using its PIN or supported property information, then follow the Apply Now process when an eligible refund appears.

Do I need to pay a company to recover Chicago unclaimed money?

No. You can search and file directly with the Illinois State Treasurer for free. Illinois now licenses unclaimed-property finders and limits finder agreements to no more than 10 percent of the amount collected.

Information reviewed August 10, 2026: I-CASH search fields, statewide property totals, weekly database updates, claim deadlines, minimum claim documentation, upload and mailing routes, processing guidance, deceased-owner requirements, Enhanced Money Match, finder licensing protections, Illinois Treasurer Chicago contact information, Cook County overpayment-refund procedures and current Cook County refund figures were checked against official Illinois State Treasurer and Cook County Treasurer sources.
Independent guide: CountyAuditors.org is not the Illinois State Treasurer, I-CASH, Cook County Treasurer or City of Chicago. Search results, claim requirements, eligibility, refund availability and processing status should be confirmed through the responsible official agency before submitting sensitive personal information.
Ohio Auditor Tools · Tax Year 2026

10 Ohio Property Tax Calculators & Auditor Tools

Built specifically for Ohio's 35% assessment ratio, current DTE forms, and 2026 Homestead, Owner-Occupancy, CAUV, Conveyance Fee, and Board of Revision rules. Every number reflects verified Ohio Department of Taxation amounts.

Homestead: $29,000 Enhanced Vet: $58,000 OAGI limit: $41,000 Assessment: 35% of market BOR filing: Free · DTE 1

Annual Tax Bill Estimator

OHIO

Applies Ohio's 35% assessment ratio plus your county's effective millage tier — the actual math your auditor uses.

Pick a county tier and enter your market value.

Homestead Reduction Calculator

DTE 105A

2026 Ohio Homestead: $29,000 general or $58,000 enhanced (100% disabled vet, KIA spouse). OAGI under $41,000 required for non-veteran applicants.

Pick your situation and enter your home value.

Owner-Occupancy & Non-Business Credits

DTE 105C

Every Ohio owner-occupied home qualifies for the 2.5% Owner-Occupancy Credit plus the automatic 10% Non-Business Credit. Most owners don't realize these stack.

Enter your annual tax to see both credit amounts.

Conveyance Fee Calculator

ORC 322

When you sell or transfer Ohio property, the auditor collects $1 state + up to $3 county per $1,000, plus $0.50 per parcel. Counties choose their rate.

Enter sale price and pick your county rate.

CAUV Agricultural Savings

DTE 109

Ohio's Current Agricultural Use Value cuts taxable value dramatically for farmland (10+ acres, or smaller with $2,500+ annual gross income).

Enter both market and CAUV values to see savings.

Mill Rate Converter

Ohio tax rates appear three ways on auditor sites: mills, percent, or dollars per $1,000. Convert between them instantly.

Enter a rate to see all three forms.

Parcel Number Cleaner

Ohio's 88 counties each format parcels differently — Franklin uses 010-123456-00, Cuyahoga uses 001-23-456, Hamilton uses 100-0001-0001-00. Auto-detects.

Paste any Ohio county parcel to format it.

35% Ratio Sanity Check

Ohio law sets taxable value at 35% of market value. If yours is significantly higher, you're a strong BOR appeal candidate.

Enter both values to compare against Ohio's 35% target.

BOR Appeal Savings

DTE 1

A successful Board of Revision complaint typically cuts your value 10–20%. Filing is free and stays in effect until the next reappraisal.

Enter your tax bill and reduction estimate.

BOR Deadline Countdown

MAR 31

Ohio's statutory Board of Revision filing deadline is March 31 for the prior tax year. Miss it and you wait until next year — no extensions.

Set your deadline to start the countdown.

Verify with the official Ohio source

These calculators use the verified 2026 Ohio Department of Taxation amounts and statutory rules. For your exact bill, exemption status, and county-specific deadlines, always confirm with your county auditor and the Ohio Revised Code:

Ohio Dept. of Taxation — Real Property DTE Forms (105A, 105C, 1, 109) ORC 5715 — Board of Revision ORC 5713 — Taxable Real Property ORC 322.02 — Conveyance Fee ORC 319.54(F)(3) — State Fee ORC 5713.30 — CAUV tax.ohio.gov — Main Portal

Estimates use Ohio's 35% statutory assessment ratio and effective tax rate tiers averaged across major Ohio counties. Your actual bill depends on local school levies, voted millage, inside vs. outside millage splits, House Bill 920 reduction factors (HB 920), and special assessments. The 2026 Homestead general amount ($29,000) and enhanced amount ($58,000) reflect HB 187 inflation indexing — your county auditor's office may show slightly different transitional figures. Nothing here is legal or tax advice. CountyAuditors.org is an independent informational directory, not affiliated with any county government.

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