Does Missouri have Unclaimed Property?

The Missouri State Treasurer currently holds over $1 billion in unclaimed property, spread across more than 5 million owner accounts.

Each year, financial institutions, businesses, government agencies, and other organizations turn over millions of dollars in cash and the contents of safe deposit boxes to the Missouri Treasurer’s Office. These assets are held in trust until they can be reunited with their rightful owners or their heirs.

Unclaimed property in Missouri includes a wide range of financial assets such as bank accounts, uncashed checks, insurance policies, stocks, bonds, and more. The State Treasurer’s Office is responsible for managing these assets and ensuring they are returned to their rightful owners at no cost.

What is Unclaimed Property?

Unclaimed property refers to financial assets that have been abandoned or left inactive by their owners for a specific period of time, known as the dormancy period. In Missouri, this period varies depending on the type of asset but generally ranges from one to five years. After this time, businesses and other entities are required to turn over these unclaimed assets to the Missouri State Treasurer’s Office. Examples of unclaimed property in Missouri include:

• Inactive bank accounts that have been left untouched for several years
• Uncashed checks, including payroll checks, refund checks, and dividend checks
• Insurance payouts that have not been claimed by beneficiaries
• Contents of safe deposit boxes that have been abandoned
• Utility deposits and other similar financial assets
• Stocks, bonds, and mutual funds that have not been accessed

The Missouri State Treasurer’s Office manages these assets and works diligently to reunite them with their rightful owners. However, it is the responsibility of individuals and organizations to search for and claim their unclaimed property.

How Does Property Become Unclaimed in Missouri?

Property becomes unclaimed when there is no activity or communication from the owner over a designated period of time. In Missouri, the dormancy period varies depending on the type of asset but generally ranges from one to five years. Common reasons for property becoming unclaimed include:

1. Change of Address: The owner moves and fails to update their address with the financial institution or business, resulting in unclaimed mail and uncashed checks.
2. Death of the Owner: If the owner passes away and their heirs are unaware of certain assets, those assets may become unclaimed.
3. Forgotten Accounts: Over time, people may forget about old bank accounts, insurance policies, or other assets, especially if they are small or were established many years ago.
4. Uncashed Payments: Payroll checks, refunds, dividends, or other payments that are not cashed within a certain timeframe can also become unclaimed property.

When these assets are considered unclaimed, they are transferred to the Missouri State Treasurer’s Office, where they are held in trust until claimed by the rightful owner or their heirs.

How to Find and Claim Unclaimed Property in Missouri

If you think you might have unclaimed property in Missouri, the process to search for and claim it is simple and user-friendly. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Visit the Missouri Unclaimed Property Website: Start by going to the official website at Missouri Unclaimed Property, which is managed by the Missouri State Treasurer’s Office. This site allows you to search for unclaimed property that may belong to you.
2. Search for Unclaimed Property: Enter your name, the name of a relative, or the name of a business in the search bar. You can narrow down the search results by adding a city or zip code.
3. Review the Results: If you find a match, review the details to determine if the property belongs to you or your relative. The search results will typically include information about the type of property and its value.
4. File a Claim: Once you’ve identified your unclaimed property, you can file a claim directly on the website. You will need to provide proof of your identity and your right to claim the property. This may include a government-issued ID, Social Security number, proof of address, or legal documents if claiming on behalf of a deceased relative.
5. Submit Supporting Documents: Along with your claim form, submit any required supporting documents that verify your identity and ownership of the property. Be sure to provide accurate and complete documentation to avoid delays in processing your claim.
6. Wait for Processing: After submitting your claim, the Missouri State Treasurer’s Office will review your documentation and verify your claim. This process can take several weeks to a few months, depending on the complexity of the claim.
7. Receive Your Property: Once your claim is approved, the state will release the unclaimed property to you. The payout can be in the form of a check, bank transfer, or delivery of physical items, depending on the type of property claimed.

Why You Should Check for Unclaimed Property

Regularly checking for unclaimed property is important, as it ensures that any forgotten or overlooked assets are recovered and returned to their rightful owner. Many people are unaware that they have unclaimed property, and these assets can go unclaimed indefinitely if not properly searched for. By taking a few minutes to search the Missouri Unclaimed Property database, you could recover funds or assets that may be rightfully yours.

Moreover, keeping track of your assets and checking for unclaimed property on a regular basis can help ensure that your financial situation is complete and that your heirs receive everything they are entitled to. The process is simple, free, and accessible, making it a valuable financial practice for every Missouri resident.

Missouri has a significant amount of unclaimed property waiting to be claimed by its rightful owners. Whether it’s forgotten bank accounts, uncashed checks, or unclaimed insurance payouts, these assets are held by the state until they are claimed. The process to search for and claim unclaimed property in Missouri is straightforward and accessible, ensuring that these funds can be recovered at no cost with the proper identification.

Don’t let your assets go unclaimed—take the time to search for unclaimed property in Missouri today. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily navigate the process and reclaim any assets that may have been lost or forgotten over time.

For more detailed information on how to claim unclaimed property in Missouri, visit our guide: How to Claim and Find Unclaimed Property in Missouri. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps and provide additional tips to ensure a successful claim.