Detailed Answer
Under Wisconsin’s Unclaimed Property Law (Wis. Stat. Chapter 177), unclaimed property includes dormant bank accounts, uncashed checks, contents of safe deposit boxes and other intangible assets. The National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators (NAUPA) website, nccash.com, aggregates state unclaimed property databases, including Wisconsin’s.
- Visit nccash.com. Navigate to https://www.nccash.com and select “Wisconsin” from the state dropdown menu.
- Search by Owner Name. Enter the full legal name (individual or business). Use variations such as initials, maiden names or common misspellings.
- Review the Search Results. Click on potential matches to see property type, last-known holder and estimated value.
- Record the Claim ID. Note the unique Claim ID assigned to each property listing. You will need this when filing a formal claim with Wisconsin.
- Access Wisconsin’s Unclaimed Property Portal. Go to the Wisconsin Department of Revenue’s Unclaimed Property page at https://www.revenue.wi.gov/Pages/UnclaimedProperty.
- Create or Log In to Your DOR Account. Register using a valid email address or log in to your existing account to begin the claim process.
- Submit Your Claim. Complete the electronic claim form, entering the Claim ID, your contact details and the relationship to the property. Attach proof of entitlement, such as a government-issued ID and proof of address.
- Attach Supporting Documentation. Wisconsin law requires verification under Wis. Stat. § 177.08 (https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/177/08). Upload clear scans of each document.
- Monitor Your Claim Status. After submission, you will receive an email confirmation with a tracking number and PIN. Log in periodically to view updates or address additional requests from the Department of Revenue.
- Receive Your Property. Upon approval, Wisconsin issues payment by check or direct deposit as specified in your claim.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information for educational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney for advice regarding your specific circumstances.
Helpful Hints
- Search using different name spellings and include middle initials if applicable.
- Gather all supporting documents before starting the claim process to prevent delays.
- Check your spam folder for emails from the Wisconsin Department of Revenue.
- Use the online portal’s chat support or email contact for technical questions.
- Processing times can be 90-120 days, so plan accordingly.
- Keep a record of your claim ID, confirmation emails and any correspondence.