Whether you’ve lived in Washington State or worked there for a short time, you may have unclaimed property waiting for you to claim. Unclaimed property typically includes money left in bank accounts, utility deposits, safety deposit boxes, and other assets. It’s easy to claim the property in Washington, and you might have money waiting for you.
Method 1: Looking up Unclaimed Property
Step 1: Use the State’s Database
Washington State offers a convenient online database where you can search for unclaimed property. Visit the Washington State Department of Revenue unclaimed property database.
- Enter your first and last name, business name, or reference number if you’ve already started a claim.
- Click the blue search button or returning user button.
- Unclaimed property in Washington can come from various sources, including banks, retailers, credit unions, utility companies, insurance companies, and corporations.
Step 2: Understand the Definition of Unclaimed Property
In Washington, unclaimed property includes:
- Bank accounts
- Insurance proceeds
- Stocks, bonds, or mutual funds
- Safe deposit box contents
- Utility and phone company deposits
- Uncashed checks, including payroll, insurance payments, or traveler’s checks
Unclaimed property is defined as property held by an organization that has not had contact with the owner for an extended period, typically three years.
Step 3: Know Your Rights
Washington’s unclaimed property laws protect your property until it can be returned to you.
- There is no time limit for filing a claim to receive your property back. Owners or their heirs can file to regain property reported since 1955.
- Claims are updated weekly. Even small amounts can remain unclaimed if you haven’t received a notice.
- Safety deposit box contents may be auctioned if unclaimed for five years.
- Over $1 billion in unclaimed property has been turned over to the Washington Department of Revenue, with $138 million received in 2013 alone.
Method 2: Filing a Claim
Step 1: File a Claim by Mail or Online
Once you find a claim that belongs to you, click the pursue claim button on the database and follow the instructions.
- You can choose to mail in your claim or file it online.
- To mail your claim, print the claim voucher, which will list the documents needed to prove your claim. Send copies of the requested proof along with the claim by mail.
- If you prefer to file online, upload the proof documents using a scanner. If you don’t have a printer, request a claim form be mailed to you.
Step 2: Contact the Department of Revenue
If you have questions or lack the necessary equipment:
- Call the Department at 1-800-435-2429 (in WA) or (360) 534-1502, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Email the Department of Revenue using their contact form.
- Write to: Department of Revenue, Unclaimed Property Section, PO Box 47477, Olympia, WA 98504-7477.
Step 3: Complete a Business Affidavit
If claiming for a business:
- Complete a business affidavit if the business is still open. If closed, provide an IRS Schedule K-1 form listing the shareholders.
- The business affidavit requires a notary’s signature and can be found on the Department of Revenue website.
Step 4: Claim Securities
Special rules apply to reclaiming securities. Legislation passed in 2011 specifies:
- The department sells securities when received. If the department has not sold the securities, you can choose to have them returned or receive the net proceeds of a sale.
- If the securities are sold, you can receive the net proceeds from the sale date. You are entitled to the cash if you are the owner or the heir.
Method 3: Proving Required Documents
Step 1: Provide Requested Proof
You will need to prove your identity and address to claim the property.
- If there are issues providing the requested documents, explain your situation via email using the online form.
- To prove your identity, provide a copy of your driver’s license, passport, or other legal photo identification. For cashier’s checks, the original check is also needed.
- To prove your address, provide documents listing both your name and address, such as auto registration, marriage certificate, bank statement, court document, postmarked envelope, school transcript, or report card.
- If multiple people are requesting the property, each must provide proof of identity and address. Proof of name change is required if applicable.
Step 2: Claim Property for Someone Else
If claiming for a living person who cannot do it themselves:
- Provide certified documents proving your authority, such as power of attorney, guardianship letters, or a birth certificate for minors.
- The department typically processes claims in about 60 days, but it can take longer for stock or mutual fund claims.
Step 3: Claim Property for a Deceased Owner
If the original owner is deceased:
- If the estate is in probate, submit a certified Letter of Administration or Letters of Testamentary.
- If the estate is closed but was in probate, provide a certified will copy. Only heirs named in the will should file the claim, and their addresses must be provided.
- For claims on behalf of heirs, provide a notarized written disclaimer from all heirs giving permission.
- If the estate was not in probate, provide a will (if available) and a completed affidavit of successor form.
- For nonresident decedents, provide the will and complete a small estate affidavit.
By following these steps, you can successfully search for and claim any unclaimed property you may have in Washington State.
