More than $40 billion in unclaimed cash & property waits to be returned. At first glance, that figure seems staggering, unbelievable — and, yet, it is true. To be more exact, the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators (NAUPA), a coalition of state unclaimed property programs, puts the total at $41.7 billion.
How do you find out if some of this money is rightfully yours? First, you can either go to missingmoney.com (a NAUPA website), or the website of your state’s unclaimed property program. A search should let you know the answer. Aside from searching in the state where you currently reside, you can also search for unclaimed assets in states where you previously worked or lived.
In all 50 states, financial institutions and insurers must escheat (i.e., hand over) account assets to the state if the owner has failed to contact the institution or insurer for a year or longer. The onus is then on the state’s unclaimed property department to find the owner, or at least make public that such assets are waiting to be claimed. How long does an original owner or an heir have to claim the forgotten assets? Usually, there is no statute of limitations.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
All kinds of assets are held by these state programs — payroll and dividend checks that were never cashed, death benefits from life insurance policies, distributions from trusts and, of course, stock certificates and property that once occupied safe-deposit boxes.
This is just at the state level. More unclaimed money awaits at the federal level; although, no convenient central database exists to find it. (Unclaimed.org, another NAUPA site, is a good place to start.) In March 2016, the Internal Revenue Service announced that this year’s tax deadline is also the deadline for Americans to claim almost $1 billion in federal income tax refunds from the year 2012. (Next April will represent the last chance to claim 2013 refunds.) Beyond what the IRS has, federal coffers contain unredeemed U.S. savings bonds, checking and savings account deposits from failed banks and credit unions, refunds on FHA-insured home loans and unremembered pension money.
Life insurance payouts of $7.4 billion also remain to be collected nationwide, according to the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation, which recently issued a report on the subject. Some policies are simply forgotten, and some heirs have never learned that they are beneficiaries.
In 15 states, you can hunt for lost life insurance policies through free, online search engines: Alabama, Kansas, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Missouri, New Hampshire, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas and Vermont. A search at missingmoney.com may also help. Another option is to try the MIB Group Inc., which maintains a policy locator service. For $75, it will search applications made to more than 400 North American insurers during the past 20 years.
How do you claim these assets? It varies, depending on whether you are an heir/beneficiary or an original owner. The process is usually straightforward; though, not always swift.
If you are the original owner, you can almost always submit a claim form through the relevant website or by mail. The unclaimed property program will almost certainly want your current address and your Social Security number, and it may request more than that.
If you are an heir or a named beneficiary of the policy or asset, then you can file a claim identifying yourself as such. The unclaimed property program will probably ask you for the full name and Social Security number of the original owner and a death certificate copy certifying his or her passing. It also may want you to provide proof that you are a named beneficiary.
Who knows? You might come into some money. Searching for these forgotten assets is relatively easy, thanks to the Internet, and it can literally pay off for you.
Greg O'Donnell's mission over the course of three decades has been to guide people to pursue and maintain a healthy financial life plan that accomplishes their goals.
This material was prepared by MarketingPro, Inc., and does not necessarily represent the views of the presenting party, nor their affiliates. This information has been derived from sources believed to be accurate. Please note - investing involves risk, and past performance is no guarantee of future results. The publisher is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting or other professional services. If assistance is needed, the reader is advised to engage the services of a competent professional. This information should not be construed as investment, tax or legal advice and may not be relied on for the purpose of avoiding any Federal tax penalty. This is neither a solicitation nor recommendation to purchase or sell any investment or insurance product or service, and should not be relied upon as such. All indices are unmanaged and are not illustrative of any particular investment.
Investment advice offered through O’Donnell Financial Services, LLC, a registered investment advisor. Securities offered through Independent Financial Group, LLC member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory assets may be custodied at TD Ameritrade. Insurance offered by Gregory C. O’Donnell, California Insurance #0B87978. Mortgage services are provided through American Pacific Mortgage Corporation licensed through the California Bureau of Real Estate #01215943 NMLS #1850. Gregory C. O’Donnell licensed by the California Bureau of Real Estate #00971579, NMLS #298004, not all applicants will qualify, rates subject to change. Know before you owe. Insurance offered by Gregory C. O’Donnell, California Insurance #0B87978. O’Donnell Financial Group, Inc. and O’Donnell Financial Services, LLC are not affiliated with Independent Financial Group, TD Ameritrade or American Pacific Mortgage Corporation.
-
Even Retirees Get a Case of the MondaysAnxiety about the start of a new week isn't just experienced by those in the workforce. Retirees deal with it, too. Here's why it happens and strategies for dealing with it.
-
Six Steps to Being Empowered and On Track: An Expert Financial Guide for WomenWhile most female investors feel on track with their financial goals and empowered by managing their investments, many regret not starting sooner. Here's how you can get started and take control of your financial future.
-
Six Steps to Being Empowered and On Track: An Expert Financial Guide for Women
While most female investors feel on track with their financial goals and empowered by managing their investments, many regret not starting sooner. Here's how you can get started and take control of your financial future.
-
Selling Your Business? This Powerful Insurance Option Unlocks Multigenerational WealthPrivate placement life insurance (PPLI) offers almost unbelievable investment flexibility, estate planning and tax advantages. And it's completely legit.
-
Five Money Moves to Make Before Your First Child Arrives: A Financial GuideI wish I'd known some of these when I was an expectant parent. These important steps include establishing an emergency fund, budgeting for new expenses, securing life insurance and more.
-
A Financial Planner's Guide to Planning for Retirement Health Care ExpensesWhether you're eligible for Medicare or getting coverage through the Affordable Care Act, make sure you plan for premiums, deductibles and other out-of-pocket costs.
-
I'm a Financial Adviser Who's Been Through Divorce: This Is How I Break It Down for ClientsDividing a divorce into three stages — decision, negotiation and finalization — makes it more manageable. These are the key steps to take in stage one.
-
From Piggy Banks to Portfolios: A Financial Planner's Guide to Talking to Your Kids About Money at Every AgeFrom toddlers to young adults, all kids can benefit from open conversations with their parents about spending and saving. Here's what to talk about — and when.
-
A Financial Planner's Guide to Unlocking the Power of a 529 Plan529 plans are still the gold standard for saving for college, especially for affluent families, though they are most effective when combined with other financial tools for a comprehensive strategy.
-
Are You a Doormat at Work? The Hidden Cost of Excessive People-PleasingI talked to the author of the upcoming book 'Fawning,' and she explains how the 'fawn' response can lead to blurred boundaries, difficulty asserting needs and a loss of self, with serious emotional consequences like anxiety and PTSD.
