Unclaimed Property by State: Free Search & Claim Guide

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50 States + D.C. · Missing Money · Official Searches · Claims · Heirs · Federal Funds

Find Missing Money Across All 50 States

Unclaimed property can come from forgotten bank accounts, uncashed checks, insurance benefits, utility deposits, wages, securities, refunds, safe-deposit contents and other money that a business or institution could not return to its owner.

The fastest approach is not searching one national database and stopping. Search every state connected with your life, test old names and addresses, verify each possible match, then use the state holding the property to file the free official claim.

Start the free search Choose your state Check federal money
Do not pay just to run a basic unclaimed-property search. Official state searches and claims are free. A private locator may offer paid assistance, but you can search and file directly through the government program yourself.

Quick answer: search every state connected with you

Start with your current state, then repeat the search for every state where you previously lived, worked, owned a business, rented a home, maintained financial accounts or had another meaningful financial connection.

1 Search your name Start with last name and minimal filters.
2 Search old states Do not stop with your current address.
3 Verify the match Compare city, former address and reporting company.
4 File free claim Follow the state program’s evidence instructions.
Best national starting point: NAUPA maintains a state-by-state directory that routes users to official government unclaimed-property programs. MissingMoney can search participating states together, but you should still check any relevant state that is not covered by your multi-state results.
Open NAUPA state search directory Search participating states on MissingMoney

Choose what you need to do

This guide is organized around the actual search and claim process.

Understand the database

What can become unclaimed property?

Property usually becomes “unclaimed” after the organization holding it loses contact with the owner for the dormancy period established by applicable law. The holder then reports and transfers the property to the appropriate unclaimed-property program.

Banking
  • Checking accounts
  • Savings accounts
  • Certificates of deposit
  • Cashier’s checks
Employment
  • Uncashed payroll checks
  • Expense reimbursements
  • Vendor payments
  • Other business payments
Insurance & investments
  • Life-insurance benefits
  • Dividends
  • Stocks and securities
  • Other investment proceeds
Everyday refunds
  • Utility deposits
  • Rental-related refunds
  • Customer credits
  • Refund checks
Dormancy period is not a universal three-year rule. Different states and property types use different dormancy periods. Do not reject a possible search simply because the account has been inactive for only a certain number of years.
National search strategy

Build a complete search before opening any database

01
List names Current name, maiden name, former surname, initials, nickname and business names.
02
List states Current residence plus every former state with a financial connection.
03
Search broadly Use fewer fields first so a spelling or address mismatch does not hide a record.
04
Document matches Save the property ID, holder, address clue, state and claim instructions.

Names worth searching separately

Current legal name Start here.
Maiden or former surname Essential after marriage or divorce.
First initial + surname Older records may abbreviate names.
Middle name or initial Useful for common surnames.
Common misspelling Test likely data-entry variations.
Business or DBA name Search dissolved and former company names too.
Deceased family member Search the person’s legal and former names.
Trust name Useful when assets were titled to a trust.
Spouse or joint owner A jointly owned asset may appear differently.
Common-name trick: search last name first. Add the first name, city or ZIP only when the results are too broad. Exact searches can accidentally exclude the right record.
50 states + District of Columbia

Official unclaimed property search by state

Use the state connected with the property—not simply the state where you live today. The links below point to the government program or state-authorized search route currently listed for that jurisdiction.

A–F G–L M–N O–R S–W
Alabama through Florida
Official state programs: Alabama–Florida
State
Administering office
Official search
Alabama
Alabama State Treasury
Search Alabama
Alaska
Department of Revenue · Treasury Division
Search Alaska
Arizona
Arizona Department of Revenue
Search Arizona
Arkansas
Auditor of State
Search Arkansas
California
State Controller’s Office
Search California
Colorado
Colorado State Treasurer
Search Colorado
Connecticut
Connecticut State Treasurer
Search Connecticut
Delaware
Department of Finance · Office of Unclaimed Property
Search Delaware
District of Columbia
Office of the Chief Financial Officer
Search D.C.
Florida
Department of Financial Services
Florida Treasure Hunt
Georgia through Louisiana
Official state programs: Georgia–Louisiana
State
Administering office
Official search
Georgia
Georgia Department of Revenue
Search Georgia
Hawaii
Department of Budget and Finance
Search Hawaii
Idaho
Idaho State Treasurer
Your Money Idaho
Illinois
Illinois State Treasurer
Illinois I-CASH
Indiana
Indiana Attorney General
Search Indiana
Iowa
Iowa State Treasurer
Great Iowa Treasure Hunt
Kansas
Kansas State Treasurer
Kansas Cash
Kentucky
Kentucky State Treasurer
Search Kentucky
Louisiana
Louisiana State Treasurer
LaCashClaim
Maine through North Dakota
Official state programs: Maine–North Dakota
State
Administering office
Official search
Maine
Maine State Treasurer
Search Maine
Maryland
Comptroller of Maryland
Search Maryland
Massachusetts
Massachusetts State Treasurer
Find Mass Money
Michigan
Michigan Department of Treasury
Search Michigan
Minnesota
Minnesota Department of Commerce
Search Minnesota
Mississippi
Mississippi State Treasurer
Search Mississippi
Missouri
Missouri State Treasurer
Search Missouri
Montana
Montana Department of Revenue
Search Montana
Nebraska
Nebraska State Treasurer
Nebraska Lost Cash
Nevada
Nevada State Treasurer
Search Nevada
New Hampshire
New Hampshire Treasury Department
Search New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Jersey Department of the Treasury
Search New Jersey
New Mexico
Taxation and Revenue Department
Search New Mexico
New York
Office of the State Comptroller
Search New York
North Carolina
Department of State Treasurer
NC Cash
North Dakota
Department of Trust Lands
Search North Dakota
Ohio through Rhode Island
Official state programs: Ohio–Rhode Island
State
Administering office
Official search
Ohio
Ohio Department of Commerce · Division of Unclaimed Funds
Search Ohio
Oklahoma
Oklahoma State Treasurer
Search Oklahoma
Oregon
Oregon State Treasury
Search Oregon
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania Treasury Department
Search Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
Office of the General Treasurer
Find RI Money
South Carolina through Wyoming
Official state programs: South Carolina–Wyoming
State
Administering office
Official search
South Carolina
South Carolina State Treasurer
Search South Carolina
South Dakota
South Dakota State Treasurer
Search South Dakota
Tennessee
Tennessee Department of Treasury
ClaimItTN
Texas
Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts
ClaimItTexas
Utah
Utah State Treasurer
MyCash Utah
Vermont
Vermont State Treasurer
Search Vermont
Virginia
Virginia Department of Treasury
VA Money Search
Washington
Washington Department of Revenue
Search Washington
West Virginia
West Virginia State Treasurer
Search West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wisconsin Department of Revenue
Search Wisconsin
Wyoming
Wyoming State Treasurer
Search Wyoming
If a state changes its search vendor: return to the NAUPA state directory instead of trusting an old bookmarked search URL. State portals occasionally migrate while the administering agency remains the same.
Verify any state through NAUPA
Match verification

A matching name is a lead—not proof that the money is yours

Strong match
  • Name matches
  • Old city or address matches
  • Reporting company is familiar
  • Property timeframe makes sense
Possible match
  • Name matches
  • City is plausible
  • Holder is unfamiliar
  • Address is incomplete
Weak match
  • Common name only
  • Wrong city
  • No known holder connection
  • No supporting historical clue

Write down these details before clicking Claim

Property IDUse it in later correspondence and status checks.
Reported ownerCopy the name exactly as displayed.
HolderBank, employer, insurer, utility or other reporting organization.
Address clueSave the city, ZIP or partial address shown.
Claim workflow

From search result to paid claim

01
Select the property Choose only records you reasonably believe belong to you or someone you have authority to represent.
02
Identify claimant type Individual owner, joint owner, heir, estate representative or business representative.
03
Upload proof Follow that state’s exact identity and ownership-document checklist.
04
Track the claim Save confirmation number, claim ID and every document submitted.
Processing time varies. NAUPA notes that some states can complete straightforward claims in less than 30 days, but documentation, estate issues, ownership questions or additional review can extend the process.

Do this immediately after submitting

Save confirmation Screenshot or print the claim ID and submission page.
Keep document copies Never rely on the upload portal as your only copy.
Watch official messages The state may request additional ownership evidence.
Claim-document locker

Prepare proof before the state asks for it

Exact requirements vary by jurisdiction and claim type. These are common categories—not a substitute for the checklist generated by the state handling your claim.

ID
Identity
  • Driver’s license
  • State ID
  • Passport when accepted
SS
Tax identity
  • SSN evidence
  • ITIN evidence
  • EIN for businesses
A
Old address
  • Tax record
  • Utility statement
  • Bank statement
  • Pay stub
P
Ownership link
  • Account statement
  • Check copy
  • Policy record
  • Employer record
Protect sensitive documents. Upload SSN, tax and identity records only through the official state’s secure claim system or another delivery method specifically provided by that government office.

If your current name is different

Marriage Marriage certificate may connect former and current surnames.
Divorce A divorce order or other legal-name record may establish the change.
Court-ordered change Keep the certified or accepted legal record available.
Deceased owner or inheritance

Searching for a deceased relative is easy; proving the right to claim is the real step

1 Search the deceased owner Try full name, former names, initials and every state connected with the person.
2 Identify the claimant role Executor, administrator, trustee, surviving owner or other lawful heir.
3 Collect estate proof Death certificate plus the documents required to establish authority or inheritance.
4 Follow state rules Probate and small-estate requirements differ by jurisdiction and claim value.
Common estate evidence the state may request
Document
Why it may matter
Death certificate
Confirms the reported owner’s death.
Letters testamentary / administration
May prove authority to act for a probate estate.
Will or trust document
May help establish the claimant’s legal interest.
Small-estate documentation
Some states permit a simplified route when statutory conditions are met.
Relationship evidence
Birth or marriage records may connect an heir to the owner.
Owner’s old address proof
Can help connect the deceased person to the property record.
Do not assume “family member” is enough. The state must determine who legally has the right to receive the property. The correct claimant can depend on estate administration, surviving ownership and state succession law.
Business claims

Search old business names even after a company closes

Search legal name Use the corporation, LLC, partnership or other registered name.
Search DBAs Property may have been reported using a trade or storefront name.
Search former names Include names used before merger, sale, conversion or rebranding.

Prepare authority to claim for the company

EIN evidenceConnects the claimant to the business taxpayer identity.
Formation recordsMay establish the legal entity.
AuthorityCorporate resolution, officer evidence or equivalent documentation may be requested.
Successor proofMergers, acquisitions or dissolved entities can require additional records.
Former vendor relationships matter. Businesses can have unclaimed customer refunds, vendor payments, insurance proceeds, securities, deposits and other receivables—not just forgotten bank accounts.
Search troubleshooting

No match found? Use this recovery sequence

Too many filters Remove first name, city and ZIP. Search surname only.
Name changed Search maiden name, former surname and previous legal names.
Old records use initials Search surname with first initial or alternate first-name formats.
You moved states Search every former state rather than only today’s residence.
Employer moved Check states connected with the employer or former work history.
Property belongs to a business Search company legal names and DBAs separately.
Relative is deceased Search the deceased owner’s exact historical names and states.
Property may be federal Move to the federal-source checklist below.
Repeat the search periodically. Businesses and institutions continue reporting newly abandoned property to states. A person with no result today can have a report appear later.
Beyond state databases

Some missing money requires a separate federal search

State databases hold most unclaimed property, but there is no single database that covers every federal payment, pension, failed financial institution or court distribution.

UNPAID WAGES Department of Labor

Use Workers Owed Wages when the Wage and Hour Division recovered back pay from an employer but could not deliver it to the worker.

Search Workers Owed Wages
RETIREMENT PBGC unclaimed benefits

Search when you may have earned a private-sector retirement benefit from a plan that ended and the employer lost contact with you.

Search PBGC benefits
FHA REFUND HUD/FHA mortgage refunds

Former FHA borrowers can search by last name or FHA case number. HUD says you do not need to pay another person or firm to collect an eligible refund.

Search HUD FHA refunds
FAILED BANK FDIC unclaimed funds

Use the FDIC search when funds may be connected with a failed federally insured bank or savings institution.

Search FDIC unclaimed funds
CREDIT UNION NCUA unclaimed deposits

Search when money may have remained in a federally insured credit union that was liquidated.

Check NCUA deposits
BANKRUPTCY U.S. Courts unclaimed funds

Bankruptcy distributions can become unclaimed when a creditor’s check is not cashed or cannot be delivered.

Search Bankruptcy Unclaimed Funds
TAX REFUND IRS refund search

A missing recent federal tax refund belongs in the IRS refund system rather than a state unclaimed-property database.

Check IRS refund status
TREASURY SECURITIES 2026 Treasury Hunt update

TreasuryDirect states that Treasury Hunt was retired September 30, 2025. Its current guidance directs people looking for unredeemed or matured Treasury securities to state unclaimed-property programs.

Read current TreasuryDirect guidance
Older articles may still tell you to “search Treasury Hunt.” For a 2026 search, follow TreasuryDirect’s current instructions rather than an older search guide.
Fraud prevention

Know the difference between an official claim and a paid locator

Signs you are on the right path
  • Government or state-authorized program
  • Search itself is free
  • Official state identifies the property
  • Secure document-upload process
  • Claim ID or confirmation generated
Stop and verify
  • Large upfront recovery fee
  • Gift-card or cryptocurrency demand
  • Pressure to act immediately
  • Request to email sensitive ID to an unverified address
  • Company claiming it is the only way to recover funds
Locator laws vary. Private companies may legally offer recovery assistance in some situations, but restrictions, waiting periods and permitted fees can differ by state. Always check the state program before signing a recovery contract.
Claim-status control

Create a simple record so the claim does not get lost again

Keep one line for every claim
Save this
Why it matters
State
Identifies the office holding the property.
Property ID
Connects your correspondence with the database record.
Claim ID
Used for tracking and follow-up.
Holder name
Explains the source of the property.
Submission date
Helps judge when follow-up is reasonable.
Documents sent
Prevents duplicate or conflicting submissions.
State request
Track any additional evidence deadline.
Payment status
Distinguishes approval from actual payment receipt.
Official source strategy

Which search tool should you use first?

One known state

Use that state’s official unclaimed-property program directly.

Several former states

Use MissingMoney first, then independently check any relevant state not covered by the results.

You do not know the state

Use the NAUPA directory and work through every state connected with the person’s address, employment and financial history.

NAUPA state directory MissingMoney multi-state search USA.gov federal search guide
10 practical answers

Unclaimed property by state FAQs

How do I search for unclaimed property by state?

Search the official unclaimed property program for every state where you have lived, worked, owned a business or maintained accounts. Begin with your last name, then try former names, initials, old addresses and business names.

Is it free to search for unclaimed property?

Yes. Official state unclaimed property searches and claims are free. NAUPA also sponsors MissingMoney.com for searching participating states.

Should I search states where I used to live?

Yes. Search every state connected with your past addresses, employers, businesses, bank accounts, insurance policies and other financial relationships.

What documents are usually needed to claim unclaimed property?

Requirements vary by state, but common documents include government photo identification, Social Security or tax identification information, proof of a former address, and documents connecting you to the reported property.

Can I claim unclaimed property belonging to a deceased relative?

Potentially. The person filing generally must prove legal authority or heirship. States may request a death certificate, probate documents, letters testamentary, a small-estate document or other evidence of the claimant’s right to the property.

Why can I not find my name in an unclaimed property search?

Try fewer search fields, former or maiden names, initials, alternate spellings, business names and every state connected with your history. Newly reported property may also take time to appear in a searchable database.

Is MissingMoney.com an official search resource?

MissingMoney.com is sponsored by the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators and searches participating state databases. A claim may then continue through the state program holding the property.

Does one state search find all unclaimed money in the United States?

No. Search every relevant state and also check separate federal databases when appropriate, including unpaid wages, pensions, FHA refunds, failed-bank deposits, failed-credit-union deposits and bankruptcy funds.

Can a company charge me to recover unclaimed property?

Private finders or locators may offer paid services, subject to state law, but you do not need to pay one to search or file a claim through the official state program.

What happened to Treasury Hunt for savings bonds?

TreasuryDirect states that the Treasury Hunt tool was retired on September 30, 2025. For unredeemed or matured Treasury securities, the current guidance is to work through state unclaimed property programs.

Source review: August 10, 2026. This guide was checked against the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators, USA.gov, official state unclaimed-property programs, TreasuryDirect, the U.S. Department of Labor, Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation, HUD, FDIC, NCUA and U.S. Courts resources. State portals and procedures can change, so use the responsible government program for the final live search, claim submission and status check.
Independent guide: CountyAuditors.org is not a state treasury, state controller, state revenue department, NAUPA, MissingMoney or federal agency. This page explains how the search and claim process works so users can reach the correct official system with the information needed to complete the task.
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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