Usually not. The state returns the amount it holds. Matured savings bonds are a separate case: they stop earning interest once they have fully matured.
Open the official searchUnclaimed.org. Free. We take no cut and ask for nothing.
The state acts as custodian and returns what it holds. Rules for stock and other securities differ by state, so read your state's own page for the specific item.
Whether you owe tax on money you receive depends on what it was. Ask a tax preparer or the IRS. We do not give tax advice.
Our 12-minute money check lists nine official searches in a fixed order, with the minutes each one takes: your state (2), savings bonds (1), a lost pension (1), a failed bank (1), a closed credit union (1), an undelivered tax refund (2), an FHA refund (1), veterans' life insurance (1) and federal court funds (2). Nine steps, twelve minutes, and none of them costs a cent. In our state-by-state guides we link each state's own claim page, because what a state returns can depend on the kind of property.
Facts on this page match our official-source guides, last checked 2 October 2026. Rules and screens change, so follow the agency's own instructions.
Usually not. The state returns the amount it holds.
It depends on what the money was. A tax preparer or the IRS can tell you; we do not give tax advice.
After a dormancy period, usually one to five years, they turn it over to the state, which holds it for you.
Matured bonds stop earning interest and simply sit there. Check yours on the Treasury's page.
Once you have done the free searches, The Unclaimed Money Handbook puts every state's office and the paperwork in one PDF. The searches on this site stay free either way.
Open refunds and settlements, with the official link next to each. Free, no finder fee, one click to leave.
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