Does Maryland Owe You Money: Find Out Here

ANNAPOLIS, MD — The State of Maryland is holding on to millions of dollars in unclaimed money, and some of it could be yours. Comptroller Peter Franchot says the money is held until it is claimed by the rightful owner or that person's heirs — and many people who have unclaimed cash don't realize it, whether it's money owed from pension funds, business refunds or other sources.

What is unclaimed property? 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 Franchot's website.

"As Comptroller, one of my top priorities is reuniting Marylanders with their lost or misplaced property. This includes items such as jewelry, coins, and other collectibles recovered from abandoned safe deposit boxes," Franchot says on the state website. "All money collected from auctioned items is kept for the original owner (or rightful heirs) and can be claimed at any time. Here at the Comptroller's Office we take our responsibility to locate the owners of unclaimed property very seriously. Over the years, we have reunited over $1 billion in cash and items to their rightful owners."

How do you determine if you're missing out on money that's rightfully yours? You can search on the state 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 all to the Comptroller's Office at the address appearing on the form.

If you have a question regarding unclaimed property, or need assistance, 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.

For instructions on how to claim property found in your name, write down the claim number and go HERE.

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