Unclaimed money in Wisconsin: how to find and claim it

How to claim in Wisconsin

1. Search your name (or a Property ID) on the Department of Revenue's free search page and click 'Add' for each item that is yours.

2. File the claim online. Choose your relationship to the property (owner, heir, business, guardian, etc.); picking the right one speeds things up.

3. Upload at least one document, ideally your government ID, plus the other proof listed for your relationship type. Files can be JPG, PDF, PNG, BMP or TIF, up to 30 MB.

4. Choose direct deposit or a paper check, sign the online agreement, and save your confirmation number.

5. If you prefer, send documents by mail to P.O. Box 8982 in Madison, by fax to (608) 261-6799, or in person at a DOR office, with your claim or confirmation number.

Yes. DOR compares unclaimed property records with tax records once a year; if you are matched and your property is $2,000 or less, DOR mails a check automatically. If it is more than $2,000 or is tangible property (like safe deposit box contents, savings bonds or stock), you get an 'Action Required' letter and must file a claim.

Official instructions for claims

Documents you may need

• Government-issued photo ID
• Proof of your Social Security number
• Proof of the address linked to the property (if you don't have it, check the box and DOR will try to find it)
• A document with your former name if the property is in a maiden or previous name

Money owed to a relative who died

Heirship claims must be filed online, with the deceased owner's SSN, date of birth and date of death. Claims under $50,000 need a Transfer by Affidavit (unless an open estate or active trust is claiming), and $50,000 or more requires a court order; open estates send domiciliary letters and the estate's tax ID.

Contact the program

Program

Wisconsin Department of Revenue, Unclaimed Property Unit

Phone

(608) 264-4594

Claims by mail

Wisconsin Department of Revenue – Unclaimed Property, P.O. Box 8982, Madison, WI 53708-8982

Processing time

Claims are handled in the order received. It typically takes up to 12 weeks for a claim to be assigned for review, and 7-10 days to receive payment once approved.

Finder fees in Wisconsin

An heir finder or locator cannot charge you more than 10% of the value of the property recovered. An agreement is void if the property has been held by DOR for less than 24 months. The written agreement must be filed with the claim, and DOR pays you directly, not the locator. Locators do not need a license in Wisconsin.

Law: Wis. Stat. ch. 177, subch. XIII (§§ 177.1301-177.1302)

Good to know

• DOR may reduce your payment to cover debts you owe to government agencies, including the IRS, other states and tribes.
• Refund checks are valid for one year; uncashed checks can be reissued only up to six years after the original date.
• Complaints about heir finders go to the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP).

Also check outside Wisconsin

Search every other state where you lived or worked. Some money, like old savings bonds and IRS refunds, is held by federal agencies.

Questions about Wisconsin

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