Photo: Sue Danielson
(Des Moines, IA) -- The State of Iowa's unclaimed property program, The Great Iowa Treasure Hunt, has hit a milestone. State Treasurer Roby Smith says the state has returned over $350 million to past and present Iowans, with $22.7 million of that returned thus far in 2023 alone. Smith notes, however, the state is still holding onto more than $483 million in assets turned over to his office from financial institutions or companies that have lost contact with the owner.
State law requires institutions and companies to annually report and deliver unclaimed property to the State Treasurer’s Office, where it is held indefinitely until the owner or heir is found. Common forms of unclaimed property include savings or checking accounts, stocks, uncashed checks, life insurance policies, utility security deposits and safe deposit box contents.
The State Treasurer’s Office mails letters, attends events and publishes names in newspapers and online to raise awareness and encourage people to search for their name at GreatIowaTreasureHunt.gov. “It only takes a moment to check for your name and the names of family and friends. Find the name of someone you know? Share our website and encourage them to search our list for their name and make a claim,” continued Smith. “Help us spread the word about the Great Iowa Treasure Hunt as we look ahead to reaching the next milestone!”
More on GreatIowaTreasureHunt.gov.