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Locating unclaimed money Maryland residents have lost or forgotten is a straightforward process overseen by the Office of the Comptroller. As of early 2026, the state safeguards approximately $2.65 billion in dormant assets, ranging from uncashed payroll checks to inactive savings accounts. The state acts as a perpetual custodian, meaning there is no statute of limitations on your right to file a claim and recover your funds.
Key Takeaways
- Massive Inventory: The Maryland Comptroller holds over $2.65 billion in lost assets for millions of owners.
- New Technology: The "KAPS" system, fully implemented in late 2025, allows for end-to-end digital claims and real-time status tracking.
- Automatic Payments: The "Quick Pay" initiative automatically sends checks for verified claims under $5,000 without requiring an application.
- Dormancy Rules: Most financial accounts are considered abandoned after 3 years of inactivity.
- Always Free: Searching the official state database is 100% free; you should never pay a fee to access your own money.
The Comptroller of Maryland serves as the chief fiscal officer responsible for the Unclaimed Property Division. This division collects assets from businesses (referred to as "holders") that have lost contact with owners for a statutory period. The primary goal is reunification, returning these assets to their rightful owners or heirs.
Recent modernization efforts have significantly improved this service. Under the leadership of Comptroller Brooke E. Lierman, the division transitioned from an outdated mainframe to a cloud-based infrastructure. This shift ensures greater transparency, security, and speed for all claimants.
In October 2025, Maryland launched the Kelmar Abandoned Property System (KAPS). This digital overhaul addresses previous inefficiencies where claims could take months to process. The system integrates directly with the(https://onestop.md.gov/), creating a seamless user experience.
Benefits of the New Platform
The "Quick Pay" Initiative
A standout feature of the modernization is the "Quick Pay" program. By cross-referencing tax data with unclaimed property reports, the system identifies owners of property valued under $5,000. If the system verifies your identity and current address with high confidence, it automatically mails you a check, removing the need for you to file a claim at all.
Searching for your assets involves checking both state and national databases. Since property is reported to the state of your last known address, you may have funds in other jurisdictions if you have moved.
Official State Search
Start your search at the Maryland Comptroller’s official portal. Enter your last name and first name to query the database.
National Database Search
Maryland participates in the national clearinghouse endorsed by the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators (NAUPA). You should perform a free multi-state search on MissingMoney.com to find assets held in other states where you have lived or done business.
Once you identify a potential asset, you must prove your right to claim it. The burden of proof prevents fraud and ensures assets go to the correct individual.
Documentation Requirements
For standard claims, you will generally need to provide:
Business Claims
If you are claiming funds on behalf of a business, you must demonstrate your authority. Required documents typically include proof of the Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN) and evidence of your role as an authorized officer.
Recovering assets for a deceased relative is more complex and intersects with Maryland estate law. The claimant is technically the estate, not the individual heir.
Small Estate Thresholds
The size of the estate determines the probate process. As of 2026, a "Small Estate" in Maryland is defined as having a value of $50,000 or less. However, if the surviving spouse is the sole heir, this limit increases to $100,000.
Required Estate Documents
To file a claim for a decedent, prepare the following:
"Dormancy" refers to the period of inactivity required before a business must transfer an asset to the state. The clock usually resets if you generate activity, such as logging into an account or depositing funds.
| Property Type | Code | Dormancy Period | Trigger for Abandonment |
| Checking / Savings | AC01/AC02 | 3 Years | Date of last customer-generated activity. |
| Wages / Payroll | MS01 | 3 Years | Date the wages became payable. |
| Insurance Benefits | IN01 | 3 Years | Date funds became due (often date of death). |
| Money Orders | CK07 | 3 Years | Date of issuance (standard). |
| Traveler's Checks | CK08 | 15 Years | Date of issuance. |
| Stocks / Dividends | SC01 | 3 Years | Date payable or returned mail. |
The promise of "free money" makes this sector a target for scammers. Be vigilant against fraudulent schemes that mimic official state communications.
Red Flags to Watch For
The "Finder" Industry
Commercial "finders" may contact you offering to recover your funds for a fee, often 10-20% of the value. While legal, these services are unnecessary. You can perform the exact same search and file the claim yourself for free using the state’s tools. Maryland law prohibits finders from contracting with owners within 24 months of the property being turned over to the state, giving you a "cooling-off" period to find it yourself.
If you encounter issues with the online portal or have complex claim questions, you can contact the division directly.
unclaim@marylandtaxes.govMaryland acts as a permanent custodian for lost assets, meaning there is no statute of limitations or deadline for original owners to recover their funds. The state will hold your money indefinitely until you or your legal heirs submit a valid request to the Comptroller's office.
The Maryland Comptroller typically reviews and approves standard online claims within six to eight weeks after receiving all necessary proof of ownership. More complex cases, such as those involving estates, joint accounts, or lack of direct documentation, may require a longer review period to ensure legal compliance.
You can search the official state database and file a claim completely free of charge through the Maryland Comptroller’s Unclaimed Property portal. While third-party "finders" are legally allowed to charge fees for locating assets, you can access the exact same resources and services without paying a cent.
Yes, legal heirs and court-appointed estate administrators are entitled to file claims for property belonging to a deceased family member. To process these requests, you must provide specific legal documentation, such as a certified death certificate and letters of administration, to verify your right to the funds.
If a standard search is unsuccessful, try entering common misspellings of your name or checking the databases of other states where you have lived or worked. It is also beneficial to check specifically for "dormant" accounts, as some assets may not be reported to the state until they have been inactive for at least three years.
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