Iowa’s Unclaimed Property: A Growing Concern for Residents
As reported by the Telegraph Herald, a growing number of Iowans are leaving behind millions of dollars in unclaimed property, with many residents unaware that they are owed money. According to the Telegraph Herald, the state’s treasurer’s office has reported a significant increase in unclaimed property, with over $100 million in unclaimed funds currently being held.
The Telegraph Herald reports that unclaimed property can include anything from forgotten bank accounts and uncashed checks to stocks, bonds, and even insurance payouts. In many cases, residents are unaware that they are owed money until they receive a notification from the state’s treasurer’s office. As the Telegraph Herald notes, "the state’s unclaimed property law requires businesses to turn over unclaimed property to the state after a certain period of time, usually one to five years."
The Telegraph Herald quotes Iowa Treasurer, Tom Hancock, as saying that "it’s not uncommon for people to be unaware that they have unclaimed property." He adds that "we encourage people to check our website and see if they have any unclaimed property. It’s free and easy to check." The Telegraph Herald reports that residents can check for unclaimed property by visiting the state’s treasurer’s website and searching by name.
In an effort to reunite residents with their unclaimed property, the Telegraph Herald states that the state’s treasurer’s office is working to raise awareness about the issue. According to the Telegraph Herald, the office has been conducting outreach efforts, including attending community events and working with local media outlets to spread the word.
The Telegraph Herald notes that the issue of unclaimed property is not unique to Iowa, with many states across the country holding millions of dollars in unclaimed funds. However, as the Telegraph Herald reports, Iowa’s unclaimed property office has made efforts to streamline the process of claiming property, making it easier for residents to get their money back.
According to the Telegraph Herald, if you suspect that you may have unclaimed property, you can visit the state’s treasurer’s website to search for your name. The Telegraph Herald quotes Hancock as saying that "we want to make sure that everyone who is owed money gets their money back. We’re doing everything we can to reunite people with their unclaimed property."
Residents can also contact the state’s treasurer’s office directly to inquire about unclaimed property. The Telegraph Herald provides that it is essential for residents to be aware of the issue and take steps to claim their property.
To find out if you have unclaimed property, you can visit the Iowa Treasurer’s website at