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The State of Texas is currently holding more than $8 billion in lost money and other valuables that belong to its citizens. This isn't a lottery or a giveaway; it's your property, forgotten over time and now safeguarded by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts. In fiscal year 2023 alone, the state returned a record $344 million to rightful owners, demonstrating that a search for Texas unclaimed money is a worthwhile effort for millions. If you've ever lived or worked in Texas, there's a real possibility that a piece of this fortune belongs to you.
This process is governed by state law, which requires businesses and other organizations to turn over financial assets when the owner cannot be contacted for a specified period. This "unclaimed property" is then held by the state until you claim it. There is no statute of limitations on most claims, meaning the money remains yours to claim at any time.
The Texas Unclaimed Property program is a consumer protection initiative mandated by the Texas Property Code. It ensures that abandoned financial assets are not simply absorbed by the companies holding them. Instead, these entities, known as "holders," are legally required to report and remit the property to the Texas Comptroller's office for safekeeping. This system serves a dual purpose: it reunites owners with their lost funds and, for property that is never claimed, the funds are eventually transferred to the state's general fund to benefit all Texans.
Property is considered "abandoned" or "unclaimed" after a period of inactivity, typically ranging from one to five years, during which the holder has had no contact with the owner. This can happen for many common reasons, such as moving and forgetting to update an address, a name change after marriage, or simply losing track of an old account.
Common Types of Unclaimed Property
The types of assets that can become unclaimed property are diverse and often surprisingly common. You may have a claim if you've ever had any of the following:
The only official place to search for and claim your property is the Texas Comptroller's secure website: ClaimItTexas.gov. It is crucial to use this exact ".gov" address, as other commercial sites may charge unnecessary fees for the same service. The state provides this search and claim service completely free of charge.
Step-by-Step Search Instructions
Follow this simple, step-by-step process to conduct a thorough search:
Pro-Tips for a Successful Search
The unclaimed property database relies on information provided by various businesses, which can sometimes be incomplete or contain errors. To maximize your chances of finding a match, think like a detective investigating your own financial history.
When you view the search results, you may see an exact dollar amount for the property. However, for smaller amounts, the listing might simply say "Under $25" or "Over $100." For non-cash items like stocks or the contents of a safe deposit box, no dollar value will be shown at all.
Once you locate property that you believe is yours, the online system makes it easy to begin the claim process. Simply check the box next to each property you wish to claim, click "Continue To File Claim," and then select your relationship to the property owner (e.g., "I am the owner," "I am an heir").
Required Documentation
To verify your identity and ownership, you will need to provide documentation. The single most important factor for ensuring a smooth and timely claim is submitting a complete and accurate package from the start. For a standard individual claim, be prepared to provide:
After You File
After you submit your claim, you will receive a unique Claim ID. It is vital to save this number, as you will need it to track the status of your claim online through the ClaimItTexas.gov portal.
The Texas Comptroller's office states that claims are typically processed within 60 to 90 days, provided no additional information is needed. However, the agency also warns that high claim volumes can cause delays. Anecdotal reports from claimants suggest that wait times can sometimes extend for several months, and proactive follow-up is sometimes necessary to resolve a pending claim. If you have questions or need to follow up on a delayed claim, you can contact the Unclaimed Property Division directly by email at unclaimed.property@cpa.texas.gov or by phone at 800-321-2274.
The landscape of unclaimed property is a patchwork of different jurisdictions. A comprehensive search requires looking beyond the main state database, as money can be held by local, federal, and other state governments.
County and Municipal Funds (Property Under $100)
A critical distinction in Texas law is how smaller properties are handled. According to Chapter 76 of the Texas Property Code, assets valued at $100 or less are often remitted directly to the treasurer of the county where the owner last resided, not to the state comptroller. This means you must search at the local level as well. Major Texas jurisdictions like Harris County, the City of Houston, and the City of San Antonio maintain their own separate databases for these smaller claims. It is advisable to search the website of the treasurer or comptroller for every Texas county and city where you have lived.
Federal Unclaimed Funds
The United States federal government does not have a single, centralized database for unclaimed money; different agencies manage different types of assets.
Multi-State and National Searches
For anyone who has lived, worked, or done business in states other than Texas, a multi-state search is essential.
Certain claims involve more complex documentation, particularly when dealing with a deceased relative's estate or non-cash assets.
Claiming for a Deceased Relative
Discovering that a deceased loved one has unclaimed property can be both a comfort and a challenge. Texas law ensures that rightful heirs can claim these assets. The process begins by searching the deceased's name on ClaimItTexas.gov. The documentation required depends on whether the estate went through the formal court process of probate.
If the Estate Was Probated
The court-appointed executor or administrator of the estate is the proper person to file the claim. They will need to provide:
If There Was No Probated Will
This is a very common situation, and the state has created a simplified path to avoid costly legal proceedings for smaller estates. For total property values of $10,000 or less, heirs can use Form 53-111-B, Affidavit of Heirship. This form legally establishes the identity of the heirs without needing a court order.
The Affidavit of Heirship requires the following:
For claims over $10,000 without a probated will, a formal court order determining heirship may be necessary, and consulting a legal professional is advised.
Claiming for a Business
Claims made on behalf of a corporation or other business entity require more extensive documentation to prove the claimant's authority. This typically includes proof of current franchise tax status, a list of officers and directors, and copies of the articles of incorporation.
Claiming Non-Cash Assets
Where there is money, there are often scams. It is vital to remember the most important rule: searching for and claiming your money directly from the state at ClaimItTexas.gov is always 100% free.
Red Flags of a Scam
Be vigilant and watch for these common warning signs identified by the Texas Attorney General and the Comptroller's office:
Third-Party Finders (Locator Services)
You may receive legitimate-looking letters from companies offering to help you recover your property for a fee. These "locator services" use public records to find property owners. While often legal, they are generally unnecessary. Under Texas law, these finders cannot charge a fee greater than 10% of the value of the property they help you recover.
How to Report Scams
If you suspect you have encountered a scam, report it to the proper authorities:
Every dollar in the unclaimed property fund originates from a "Holder"—a business, financial institution, or government entity that was in possession of property belonging to someone else. Understanding their responsibilities provides a complete picture of the unclaimed property lifecycle.
Holder Responsibilities
Under Texas law, holders have three primary duties:
Property Abandonment Periods
These varied abandonment periods are not arbitrary; they reflect deliberate policy choices. For example, the short one-year period for wages recognizes the immediate importance of earned income to an individual, while the longer five-year period for a bank account acknowledges that such accounts may be left dormant for longer periods intentionally.
| Property Type | Official Property Code | Abandonment Period (Years) |
|---|---|---|
| Wages, Payroll, or Salary | MS01 | 1 |
| Utility Deposits | UT01 | 1 |
| Accounts Payable / Vendor Checks | MS08 / CK13 | 3 |
| Accounts Receivable Credits | MS09 | 3 |
| Stocks, Bonds, Dividends | SC08 / SC01 | 3 |
| Bank Accounts / Other Deposits | AC09 | 5 |
| Safe Deposit Box Contents | SD01 | 5 |
| Traveler's Checks | CK08 | 15 |
| All Other Property (Catch-All) | Varies | 3 |
No, the state of Texas does not pay interest to owners on unclaimed funds. While the money is held by the Comptroller's office, any interest it generates is deposited into the state's general fund. When you file a successful claim, you receive the original amount that was reported.
The taxability of reclaimed funds depends on the original source of the money. The state does not withhold taxes, but the money you receive could be considered taxable income by the IRS. For example, if the funds were from untaxed wages, they may be taxable upon receipt. It is best to consult a tax professional for specific advice.
Yes. If you owe past-due child support, your Texas unclaimed money can be intercepted to pay that debt. The Texas Comptroller is authorized to approve a claim directly from the Office of the Attorney General to satisfy child support liens before any funds are released to you.
No, there is no statute of limitations for most Texas unclaimed money claims. The state holds these assets indefinitely in trust for the rightful owner. You or your legal heirs can file a claim at any time, regardless of how many years have passed since the property was reported.
To claim funds for a dissolved business, you must provide documents proving you have the authority to act on its behalf. This may include Articles of Dissolution filed with the Secretary of State, a final tax report, or a legal document showing you are the rightful recipient of its remaining assets.
You should search for unclaimed property using both your current and former names, such as a maiden name. When filing your claim, you will need to provide official documentation of the name change, like a marriage certificate or a court order, to prove you are the correct owner.
If you lack documentation for a previous address, you should still file your claim with all the proof you do have. The Comptroller's office can often use other information, like a Social Security Number, to verify ownership. If a claim is denied for insufficient proof, the property simply remains on the website for future claims.
Yes. The official ClaimItTexas.gov website is designed to let you claim multiple properties at once. During your search, you can select all the properties that belong to you and the system will consolidate them into a single claim, simplifying the process and the amount of paperwork required.
A check issued by the Texas Comptroller is called a "warrant." Generally, a state warrant becomes void on August 31st of the second fiscal year after it was issued. For example, a warrant issued in November 2024 (Fiscal Year 2025) would expire on August 31, 2027.
The exact value may be hidden for several reasons. To reduce clutter, properties valued under $25 may not be itemized. For non-cash assets, such as stocks or the contents of a safe deposit box, a dollar amount is not displayed because the value is not determined until the items are sold at auction.
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