Find money by searching your state’s unclaimed property website
Discovering a forgotten credit or an unexpected balance on a gift card or prepaid debit card can be a pleasant surprise, providing a boost to your day. Here is one such opportunity: searching for unclaimed property on your state’s dedicated website. Below is an overview explaining what unclaimed property is and how individuals can proceed with filing a claim. Similarly, if you are a business owner, also consider searching on behalf of your company.
What is unclaimed property?
Unclaimed property is considered any tangible or intangible property that has gone unclaimed by its owner for an extended period of time. Some examples of unclaimed property include:
- Gift cards
- Deposits
- Un-cashed refunds
- Abandoned savings accounts
- Orphaned 401k accounts
- Insurance proceeds
A February 2020 study by smartasset estimated 49.5 billion dollars of unclaimed property existed in the United States and of that amount approximately 1.5 billion dollars was estimated to be custodied by the State of Virginia1. February 2025 reporting by WTKR, Channel 3 in Hampton Road2 suggested the State of Virginia’s custodied amount has risen to 3.8 million dollars.
Each state has a dedicated website (typically connected to the state’s Treasury Department) that you may search to find out if you have unclaimed property. In addition, the U.S. Treasury’s Bureau of Fiscal Services also has a website with links to conduct searches for various types of unclaimed property (securities and related payments, mortgage insurance refunds, credit union unclaimed shares and unclaimed funds in bankruptcy).
The state’s website may typically be found using a search term such as “state name’s unclaimed property”. We recommend you search all versions of your name on the websites for the states in which you currently or have previously resided or have some connection. Based on the mechanics of the Virginia unclaimed property website (each state’s website may vary), once the site generates the results, you may proceed with claiming the property. Filing the claim may require you to provide some proofs of identity such as a copy of your driver’s license, a tax document and/or a completed and executed Form W-9.
Virginia and surrounding states unclaimed property websites
The U.S. Treasury’s Bureau of Fiscal Services also has a website with links to conduct searches for various types of unclaimed property (securities and related payments, mortgage insurance refunds, credit union unclaimed shares and unclaimed funds in bankruptcy).
Unclaimed property reminder for businesses
Review your business records to be sure you do not need to remit/turn over any unclaimed property to a state. We also suggest you search on behalf of your company for any unclaimed property refunds that may be due to the company. For more information on unclaimed property to be remitted to a state, access our additional Unclaimed Property article:
If you have questions specific to your situation, please reach out to your Keiter Opportunity Advisor or Email | Call: 804.747.0000.
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About the Author
Ann Ramage, CPA, Partner
Ann has 20 years of experience providing tax planning opportunities and insights to operating entities, investment partnerships, trusts and high wealth individuals and families. Ann is a member of Keiter’s Family, Executive, and Entrepreneur Advisory Services team and works closely with individuals and family offices to address their various tax compliance, consulting and estate planning needs.
More Insights from Ann RamageThe information contained within this article is provided for informational purposes only and is current as of the date published. Online readers are advised not to act upon this information without seeking the service of a professional accountant, as this article is not a substitute for obtaining accounting, tax, or financial advice from a professional accountant.
