The state of Missouri has a significant amount of unclaimed property, with millions of dollars in lost assets waiting to be reunited with their rightful owners. According to the Missouri State Treasurer's Office, the state is currently holding over $1 billion in unclaimed property, which includes everything from abandoned bank accounts and stocks to uncashed checks and safe deposit box contents.
What is Unclaimed Property?
Unclaimed property refers to any asset that has been abandoned or forgotten by its owner, and has been turned over to the state for safekeeping. This can include a wide range of items, such as bank accounts, stocks, bonds, uncashed checks, and safety deposit box contents. In Missouri, the state treasurer’s office is responsible for maintaining a database of all unclaimed property, and for attempting to reunite these assets with their rightful owners.
Types of Unclaimed Property in Missouri
There are many different types of unclaimed property in Missouri, including:
- Abandoned bank accounts
- Uncashed checks
- Stocks and bonds
- Safety deposit box contents
- Unclaimed insurance benefits
- Unclaimed tax refunds
These assets can come from a variety of sources, including estates, businesses, and individuals. In many cases, the owners of these assets are unaware that they have been turned over to the state, and may be eligible to reclaim them.
| Year | Amount of Unclaimed Property |
|---|---|
| 2020 | 943 million</td></tr> <tr><td>2019</td><td>876 million |
| 2018 | 819 million</td></tr>
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<p>As the table above shows, the amount of unclaimed property in Missouri has been steadily increasing over the past few years, with over 943 million in unclaimed assets currently being held by the state.
How to Claim Unclaimed Property in MissouriIf you believe that you may have unclaimed property in Missouri, there are several steps you can take to try to reclaim it. The first step is to visit the Missouri State Treasurer’s Office website, which has a searchable database of all unclaimed property in the state. You can search for your name, or the name of a business or estate, to see if there are any assets listed. If you find that you have unclaimed property, you will need to fill out a claim form and provide proof of ownership. This can include documents such as identification, proof of address, and documentation of the asset. The state treasurer’s office will then review your claim and determine whether you are eligible to receive the unclaimed property.
💡 It's a good idea to search for unclaimed property on a regular basis, as new assets are constantly being added to the state's database. You can also search for unclaimed property in other states, if you have lived or done business in multiple places.
Tips for Claiming Unclaimed PropertyHere are a few tips to keep in mind when claiming unclaimed property in Missouri:
By following these tips and taking the time to search for unclaimed property, you may be able to recover lost assets and reunite with your rightful property. What is the deadline for claiming unclaimed property in Missouri?+There is no deadline for claiming unclaimed property in Missouri, as long as the asset is still being held by the state. However, it’s a good idea to claim your property as soon as possible, as the state may eventually sell or dispose of the asset if it remains unclaimed. How do I search for unclaimed property in Missouri?+You can search for unclaimed property in Missouri by visiting the Missouri State Treasurer’s Office website and using the searchable database. You can search for your name, or the name of a business or estate, to see if there are any assets listed. What types of documentation do I need to provide to claim unclaimed property?+The types of documentation you need to provide to claim unclaimed property in Missouri will vary depending on the type of asset and the circumstances of the claim. However, common documentation includes identification, proof of address, and documentation of the asset, such as a stock certificate or bank statement. |
