Do You Have Money In An Account Somewhere You Forgot About? Check This Out To Find Out

The Wisconsin Department of Revenue is in the midst of its annual unclaimed property awareness campaign, publishing thousands of names of people with cash and other property waiting to be claimed in major newspapers statewide.

While newspapers help spread the word of the more than $600 million the agency currently holds, the states Unclaimed Property Search page is the best way for anyone to search, find, and claim their cash and other assets. Any name can be searched for free on the site.

The department says one in seven people in the state have unclaimed property in their name, with the average unclaimed property claim in Wisconsin worth $1,225.

If someone finds they have unclaimed money on the website, making a claim is fast and easy. There is also a live chat option on the page allowing visitors to get help from a Department of Revenue unclaimed property specialist.

“So many people don’t know about Wisconsin’s unclaimed property program or that they may have money waiting for them here,” said DOR Secretary Peter Barca. “It could be an uncashed paycheck from past employment or an insurance policy payment that didn’t reach them after they moved to a new home. All they need to do is search and make their claim, and we’ll send them their money.”

According to a statement from the Department of Revenue, unclaimed property, in general, is any financial asset that hasn’t had owner activity for a period of one year or more and the asset holder is unable to contact the owner.

Unclaimed property includes funds from savings or checking accounts, uncashed dividends, insurance policies, or other accounts the owner may be unaware of or forgot about.

Banks, credit unions, insurance companies and other businesses must report unclaimed property to the Department of Revenue each year by November 1.