California County Unclaimed Money Programs
All 58 California counties maintain unclaimed property programs under state law. County treasurers and auditors hold funds from tax refunds, old warrants, estates of deceased persons, and excess proceeds from tax sales. Many counties have searchable databases or published lists where you can find money in your name. Each county follows California Government Code 50050-50057 which allows local agencies to escheat unclaimed money after three years. You can claim these funds directly from the county with no service charges or fees.
All California Counties
Select a county to find contact information, search tools, and filing procedures for unclaimed funds held at the county level. Some counties redirect to the state program while others maintain extensive local databases.
County Programs vs State Programs
County unclaimed money differs from state unclaimed property. The state handles funds from banks, wages, stocks, and insurance. Counties hold different types like property tax refunds and excess proceeds from tax sales. Some funds start at the county level but transfer to the state after several years if no one claims them.
Large counties often run robust programs with online search tools. Kern County offers a searchable database where you enter your name to find matches. Santa Clara County has an online portal for property tax refunds. Orange County maintains five separate unclaimed fund categories. Smaller counties may only publish annual notices in local newspapers or redirect you to search the state database.
Excess proceeds are common in many counties. When property goes to tax auction and sells for more than the owed taxes, the extra money belongs to the former owner. Counties hold these proceeds for years waiting for claims. Los Angeles, Riverside, and San Diego counties handle large volumes of excess proceeds cases each year due to high property values and frequent tax sales.
Estate funds from deceased persons without known heirs also end up with counties. The public administrator takes control of the estate assets and tries to locate relatives. If no heirs come forward within the statutory period, the funds may escheat to the county under Government Code 50050. Family members can claim these funds by proving their relationship to the deceased.
Note: Always check both state and county sources when searching for unclaimed money in California.