Search Santa Clarita Unclaimed Funds

Santa Clarita residents have free access to unclaimed money databases through the State Controller's Office and Los Angeles County. The state holds billions in lost property that businesses turned over after losing contact with owners. This includes bank accounts, stock dividends, insurance refunds, uncashed paychecks, and utility deposits. Los Angeles County maintains records of tax sale excess proceeds and other unclaimed funds. All searches are free and let you file claims directly without using a paid service. There is no deadline to claim property once it reaches the state database. Most searches take just minutes online.

California State Controller Database

Start your search at ucpi.sco.ca.gov where the State Controller maintains all property turned over by banks, employers, insurers, and other holders. Type your name or business name to search. Results show the property type, who reported it, and when it was sent to the state. You can see estimated values for most items.

There is no fee to search or file a claim. There is no time limit once property reaches the state. If you lived in Santa Clarita when a business lost contact with you, your funds may be listed under this city. The state holds your property until you claim it.

Common types include bank accounts, stocks, bonds, mutual funds, uncashed payroll checks, insurance policy proceeds, utility deposits, and safe deposit box contents. Most property escheats after three years with no owner contact. Wages and salaries escheat after one year. Money orders need seven years. Travelers checks require fifteen years before going to the state.

Search not just your current name but also former names from marriage or divorce. Search for deceased relatives because heirs can claim property. Business owners should search company names and any DBA names used in Santa Clarita. The database goes back many years, so you might find property from decades ago that you forgot about.

Los Angeles County Resources

Santa Clarita is in Los Angeles County. The county treasurer runs extensive unclaimed property programs. Visit ttc.lacounty.gov to search for excess proceeds from tax sales. Call 213-974-2111 for information about county unclaimed funds.

Excess proceeds happen when the county sells tax-defaulted property for more than what is owed. The surplus goes into a holding fund. Former owners or people with legal interests can claim these proceeds. The county also holds unclaimed estates and other funds that did not go to the state. Government Code Section 50050 requires the county to publish notice and hold funds for three years before escheating them.

Los Angeles County processes thousands of unclaimed property cases each year in Santa Clarita and other areas. Property tax refunds from overpayments stay with the county. Uncashed county warrants over six months old get added to the list. Always check both county and state databases when searching for unclaimed money. Some funds go to the county while others go to the state depending on the source.

Note: You can file claims directly with Los Angeles County without paying fees to third parties.

Filing Claims from Santa Clarita

When you find property in the state database, visit sco.ca.gov to file a claim. Search for your property and select it from the results. The website tells you if you can file online or need to mail documents. Many simple claims qualify for electronic filing through the state portal.

For mailed claims, download the Claim Affirmation Form from your search results. Fill it out completely and sign it. Send proof of identity like a copy of your driver's license. Include proof you owned the property or have the right to claim it. Get your signature notarized if the claim is $1,000 or more. All securities and safe deposit box claims need notarization regardless of value.

Documents commonly needed:

• Government-issued photo ID
• Social Security card or SSN verification
• Proof of address when property was lost
• Death certificate for deceased owner claims
• Probate documents for estate claims
• Marriage or divorce papers for name changes

Mail completed claims to Chief, Unclaimed Property Division, P.O. Box 942850, Sacramento, CA 94250-5873. Simple cash claims process in 30 to 60 days. Complex claims with heirs take up to 180 days. Security claims usually process within 120 days. Visit the public counter at 10600 White Rock Road, Suite 141, Rancho Cordova for help. Call 1-800-992-4647 with questions about the process.

Public Employee Retirement Searches

Santa Clarita residents who worked for public agencies should check CalPERS and CalSTRS for unclaimed retirement benefits. These systems maintain databases separate from the State Controller. CalPERS covers most public employees. CalSTRS covers teachers and school staff.

Search CalPERS at calpers.ca.gov. If you find a match, call 888-225-7377 to get a claim form. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. You can write to CalPERS Member Account Management Division, P.O. Box 942704, Sacramento, CA 94229-2704.

CalSTRS handles teacher retirement accounts. Visit calstrs.com for information. Call 800-228-5453 or 916-414-1099 with questions. Teachers who left education without claiming contributions often have unclaimed CalSTRS funds. If you taught in Santa Clarita schools and left before retirement, check CalSTRS.

Unclaimed retirement accounts happen when public employees change careers and forget to withdraw contributions. Survivor benefits go unclaimed when family does not know about them. Search both systems if you or a relative worked in public service.

Life Insurance Policy Locator

Life insurance benefits are a major source of unclaimed money. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners runs a free policy locator at eapps.naic.org. Enter information about a deceased family member to see if any company has a policy. This service checks with insurers nationwide.

California requires insurers to search the Social Security Death Master File for deceased policyholders. Insurance Code Section 10509.940 through 946 sets these rules. If an insurer cannot find the beneficiary, they must send benefits to the State Controller. Call the California Department of Insurance Consumer Hotline at 1-800-927-4357 for help finding a lost policy.

Many Santa Clarita families discover life insurance years after a death. The deceased may have had a work policy that family forgot about. Policies purchased long ago get lost in moves or estate settlement. Always search both the state unclaimed property database and the NAIC locator if a relative died and might have had coverage.

Unclaimed Tax Refund Claims

The Franchise Tax Board holds unclaimed state income tax refunds. Refund checks expire after six months. After that, you must request a new check. For refunds one to three years old, send a letter to the Franchise Tax Board with your name, tax year, and "Old refund check" in the subject line. Processing takes about eight weeks.

Refunds over three years old need a Replacement Warrant Claim form. Use Form 3900A for individuals or Form 3900B for businesses. This takes up to 18 months. Call 800-852-5711 with questions. Very old refunds transfer to the State Controller and appear in the main unclaimed property database.

Uncashed refunds happen when people move from Santa Clarita without updating their address. The check goes to an old address and gets returned. Some do not know they are owed a refund. Others cash their main refund but miss a small supplemental check. Check both the Franchise Tax Board and State Controller if you think you have an old refund waiting.

Unclaimed Property Law

California unclaimed property law begins at Code of Civil Procedure Section 1500. CCP Section 1501 defines owner, holder, and apparent owner.

CCP Section 1513 sets dormancy periods. Bank deposits escheat after three years. Wages escheat after one year. Money orders take seven years. Travelers checks take fifteen years. CCP Section 1530 requires holders to file annual reports.

CCP Section 1540 covers claims. The Controller must decide within 180 days. No interest is paid. CCP Section 1576 sets penalties. Willful violations are a misdemeanor. Late delivery triggers 12 percent interest.

Government Code Section 50050 through 50057 governs local agency unclaimed money. This is why Los Angeles County has its own program.