Marylanders Discover $271,000 In Unclaimed Money Owed To Them

ANNAPOLIS, MD — While enjoying the 2019 Maryland State Fair, one resident learned about an unexpected windfall of $71,517, In fact, almost 260 people discovered that more than $271,000 in unclaimed funds was waiting just for them.

Throughout the summer and fall, Maryland Comptroller staff set up booths at county fairs and festivals and at the State Fair to reunite Marylanders with the money they are owed. Approximately 1,360 people made inquiries at the unclaimed property booth at this year’s State Fair.

“Several hundred people had a great time at the State Fair and learned about money that is rightfully theirs; I call that a red-letter day,” Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot said in a statement. “Our agency staff fans out across the state to reach residents and reunite them with money or property that is just waiting to be claimed by their owner.”

Financial institutions, utilities, insurance companies and other corporations are required to report to the comptroller any bank accounts, security deposits, wages, insurance benefits and contents of safe deposit boxes that have been unclaimed after three years. In addition to booths at fairs and festivals, the comptroller’s office looks for owners of unclaimed funds by searching tax records.

Taxpayers can visit https://www.marylandtaxes.gov/ and click on the "unclaimed property" icon to see if their name is on the list.