Does Maryland Owe You Money In 2020: Check Here

ANNAPOLIS, MD — Money that belongs to Marylanders could be sitting in government accounts, but it's up to you to claim your property. The state of Maryland holds on to millions of dollars until it is claimed by the owner or that person's heirs. Many people who have unclaimed cash don't realize it, whether it's money owed from pension funds, business refunds or other sources.

The unclaimed property the state keeps an eye on includes stocks, bonds, savings accounts, security deposits, contents of safe deposit boxes, insurance proceeds and other valuables which are reported to the state as unclaimed by banks and other financial institutions after three years. Real property is not included, according to the comptroller's website.

The owners or their heirs can claim the money at any time; there is no statute of limitations. Simply search on the Maryland comptroller's website with your first and last name. If you find the name you are searching for, print the claim form ST-912. Complete the form, be sure to indicate the claim number that appears with the account, include copies of any documentation, and submit everything to the Comptroller's Office at the address shown on the form.

If you have a question about unclaimed property, call the Comptroller of Maryland's Unclaimed Property Unit at 410-767-1700 in the Baltimore metro area, or 1-800-782-7383 nationwide, or e-mail the office at unclaim@comp.state.md.us.

Over the years, Comptroller Peter Franchot says his office has turned over $1 billion in cash and items to their rightful owners.

The U.S. government lacks a central website to find unclaimed funds. To search for unclaimed money that may be lying in a different state's treasury, check this list of treasurer's offices.

If you don't have money lying in the state treasury, the government also suggests checking for unclaimed funds from bank failures or unclaimed deposits from credit union closures. You could also check for unclaimed or undelivered tax refunds or a refund from an FHA-insured mortgage.

Finally, you can check for unclaimed back wages, pension money or life insurance funds. Here is how to find out how to search for these unclaimed funds.