FAQS:

Claiming Property

How do I search for unclaimed property?

From the Unclaimed Property main page, follow the link that says GET STARTED or you can contact our office by phone or mail and our staff will perform a thorough search for you.


Property has been found in the name that I searched. How do I claim it?

All claims made with our office must include positive proof of ownership.  This could be either by verifying the Social Security Number (SSN) in our records, verifying a current and/or previous address or proving an association with the holder. If the address listed is your address or a previous address, you must submit a claim with a copy of your driver’s license or other picture ID, Social Security number (required) and proof of the previous address. If you have never lived at the address listed, there is a very good possibility this money does not belong to you.


Why doesn’t the “Property Found” list include dollar amounts?

We do not publish dollar amounts to protect the privacy of the owners. You can obtain more information about an item by clicking on the Property ID number, but this will only reveal an amount range. The amount ranges displayed are: less than $25.00, $25.00 to $50.00, $50.00 to $100.00, over $100.00


Is any special form required to claim my money or unclaimed property?

Yes, if the value of your claim is $5,000.00 or more, you must provide a notarized claim form. If you do not have printing capability, contact our office and we will mail you one.


What should I send in with the claim form?

A copy of your driver’s license or other picture identification and proof of your Social Security number is required with every claim.  Additional proof of ownership may be required in some cases.  Some examples are: proof of a previous address, verification of past employment with the holder or verification of accounts/business relationship with the holder.


What if my claim doesn’t meet all of your requirements?

You will be notified in writing if additional documentation is needed to verify your claim.  If it is determined that you are not the rightful owner, your claim will be denied and you will be notified in writing.


What if the property is listed in the name of a deceased relative?

The legal heirs of a deceased person are entitled to claim the property.  We require court recognized estate documents to prove heirship.


How long does it take to process a claim for refund?

Processing time varies depending on volume and may take up to 90 days.


I have lived in other states, how do I find out if I have unclaimed property in another state?

All states have unclaimed property programs, and many have online searchable databases similar to Louisiana’s. The National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators (NAUPA) has links to other states’ websites at www.unclaimed.org.


How do I find out about unclaimed U. S. Savings Bonds?

The U. S. Treasury Department has made it easier for citizens to find unclaimed federal savings bonds and interest payments. It has created a “Treasury Hunt” website to help the owners of such assets claim their money.


When is unclaimed property turned over to the State?

A holder is required by law to report unclaimed property after it has not been claimed by the rightful owner for a certain period of time called the “holding period."


How do I find out about IRS tax refunds that may be unclaimed?

The IRS publishes an annual list of taxpayers who have not cashed their tax refund checks.


How do I find out more information about unclaimed property?

Our links page has various websites you can research for more information on unclaimed property.