As a resident of North Dakota, you may have unclaimed property that you are not even aware of. Unclaimed property is any financial asset that has been abandoned by its owner and is in the possession of a third party, such as a bank, insurance company, or government agency. In North Dakota, the State Treasurer’s Office is responsible for maintaining unclaimed property records and reuniting owners with their lost assets.
Unclaimed property can take many forms, including:
When an account or asset has been inactive for a certain period of time, typically three to five years, the holder of the property is required by law to turn it over to the State Treasurer’s Office. The office then attempts to locate the rightful owner and return the property.
If you think you may have unclaimed property in North Dakota, you can search for it easily and for free. The State Treasurer’s Office maintains an online database of unclaimed property that is updated regularly.
To search for unclaimed property, go to the North Dakota Unclaimed Property website and enter your name or the name of a deceased family member. If the search results show that you have unclaimed property, you can file a claim to have it returned to you.
If the rightful owner of unclaimed property cannot be located, the property remains in the custody of the State Treasurer’s Office. The office continues to attempt to locate the owner and hold the property for as long as necessary.
However, if the property remains unclaimed for a certain period of time, the State Treasurer’s Office may sell it at public auction. The proceeds from the sale are then held for the owner or their heirs to claim.
If you are a business or organization that is holding unclaimed property, you are required by law to report it to the State Treasurer’s Office. This includes banks, insurance companies, and other financial institutions.
Reporting unclaimed property is a simple process that can be done online through the North Dakota Unclaimed Property website. Failure to report unclaimed property can result in penalties and fines.
Unclaimed property is a common issue that affects many individuals and businesses in North Dakota. By using the State Treasurer’s Office’s online database, you can easily search for and claim any unclaimed property that belongs to you. It is also important for businesses to report unclaimed property as required by law. By understanding the basics of unclaimed property, you can take the necessary steps to protect your assets and ensure that they are returned to you or your heirs.