Why Feb. 1 is the perfect day to claim unclaimed property in Texas
AUSTIN (KXAN) — The fourth annual National Unclaimed Property Day will make its way to the Texas Comptroller’s Office on Thursday, Feb. 1.
“Unclaimed property includes things such as forgotten utility deposits or other refunds, insurance proceeds, payroll checks, cashier’s checks, dividends, mineral royalties, dormant bank accounts and abandoned safe-deposit box contents,” the comptroller’s office said.
According to a statement from Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar, the office has returned more than $4 billion in unclaimed property to its owners since Texas' unclaimed property program began in 1962, which included $344 million last fiscal year.
“The state is currently holding more than $8 billion in cash and other valuables through the program. The average value of an approved claim is more than $1,000,” the office said.
The comptroller’s office said there was generally no time limit for owners to file a claim for any unclaimed property the state holds.
“The money belongs to the people of Texas, and I encourage everyone to visit ClaimItTexas.gov to see if the state is holding some of their unclaimed property,” Hegar said.
The office urged Texans to also check MissingMoney.com to search for property that may belong to them in other states.