You may have unclaimed property in Texas. Here’s how to claim yours on National Unclaimed Property Day

HOUSTON — Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar announced that he has joined other unclaimed property administrators to celebrate the third annual national Unclaimed Property Day on Wednesday.

“I’m proud that I’ve given back over $2 billion to Texans since becoming Controller, and we’re constantly looking for new ways to bring back even more,” Hegar said. “These efforts are part of my ongoing commitment to focus on customer service and provide taxpayers with a transparent and accountable government. The money belongs to the people of Texas and I encourage everyone to visit ClaimItTexas.gov to find out if the state is holding back some of their unclaimed property.”

According to officials National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators. Unclaimed property includes things like forgotten utility deposits or other reimbursements, insurance payments, paychecks, cashier’s checks, dividends, mining royalties, dormant bank accounts, and the contents of abandoned safes. Businesses typically transfer ownership to an unclaimed property program after it has been deemed dormant for one to five years.

The Comptroller’s Office said it has returned more than $4 billion worth of unclaimed property to owners since Texas’ unclaimed property program began in 1962. There are currently over $7 billion in cash and other valuables in the state through the program. The average value of an approved claim is over $1,000.

Generally, there is no statute of limitations for unclaimed state-administered property, meaning owners have no time limit to file a claim – they can do so at any time, the report said.

For more information about the Unclaimed Property Program or to search for unclaimed property and begin the claim process, visit the website of the Unclaimed Property Comptroller, ClaimItTexas.govor call 800-321-2274. Texans are also advised to check MissingMoney.com or FindMyFunds.com seek property that may belong to them in other states.