Search Alpine County Unclaimed Property

Alpine County unclaimed money is held by the California State Controller. This is California's smallest county by population. Most unclaimed property comes from local businesses, banks, and employers in Markleeville and other small communities. The state controller manages all unclaimed funds for Alpine County residents. There is no separate county program due to the small size. You can search for Alpine County property in the state database. This includes forgotten bank accounts, uncashed paychecks, insurance proceeds, and other lost funds. The search is free and takes just a few minutes. If you have lived or worked in Alpine County, you may have property waiting to be claimed.

Alpine County and State Unclaimed Property

Alpine County directs residents to the California State Controller for unclaimed property. The county does not run its own separate program. All unclaimed funds from Alpine County businesses, banks, and employers are reported to the state. The state controller holds over $11 billion in unclaimed property statewide. Alpine County contributes a small portion of that total.

Search for your property at the state controller's property search database. Enter your name or business name. The search covers all property reported from Alpine County and the rest of California. The database shows the property type, the reporting business, and an estimated value. If you find property that belongs to you, you can file a claim online in many cases.

Under California law, different types of property become unclaimed at different times. Bank accounts are dormant after three years of no activity. Wages must be reported after one year. Insurance proceeds have varying dormancy periods depending on the policy type. Code of Civil Procedure section 1513 sets these dormancy periods. Once property is turned over to the state, there is no deadline for filing a claim.

The state controller processes all claims for free. You do not need to hire anyone to file a claim. Some companies called asset locators or heir finders may contact you about unclaimed property. They can charge up to 10 percent of the value under California law. You can skip these companies and file directly with the state at no cost. Call (800) 992-4647 with questions about state-held property.

How to Claim Alpine County Property

Start by searching the California State Controller's unclaimed property website. When you find property in your name, click on it to begin the claim process. The website will tell you if you can file online or if you need to submit a paper claim. Many smaller claims can be filed electronically, which speeds up processing.

You must prove you are the rightful owner. The type of proof needed depends on the property and amount. For claims under $1,000, you may only need to provide your name, address, and Social Security number. Claims of $1,000 or more require a notarized signature. If you are claiming property that belonged to a deceased person, you need a death certificate and proof that you are the legal heir.

Business claims require articles of incorporation or other business documents. If the property came from a partnership or LLC in Alpine County, you need to show you have authority to claim on behalf of the business. The state controller provides guidance on what documents are needed for each type of claim.

Forms you may need include:

• Claim Affirmation Form (generated from search results)
• Declaration Under Probate Code 13101 (for estates under $166,250)
• Table of Heirship (for claims by multiple heirs)
• Safe Deposit Box Property Release Form (for box contents)

All forms are available on the state controller's claim filing page. Read the instructions carefully before completing any form. Missing information or incorrect notarization can delay your claim.

Mail completed paper claims to Chief, Unclaimed Property Division, P.O. Box 942850, Sacramento, CA 94250-5873. You can also drop off claims in person at 10600 White Rock Road, Suite 141, Rancho Cordova, CA 95670. The controller reviews claims and makes a decision within 180 days for most cases. Simple cash claims may be approved in 30 to 60 days.

Note: Once a complete claim package is received, the property information is removed from the public website while the claim is processed.

Types of Unclaimed Property in Alpine County

Unclaimed property comes from many sources even in a small county like Alpine. Forgotten bank accounts are common. Someone may have had an account at a local bank or credit union and moved away. After three years of no activity, the financial institution must report the account to the state. Alpine County has a small population but people move in and out over the years. Those old accounts add up.

Uncashed paychecks are another source. Employers in Alpine County must turn over uncashed wages after one year. This happens when an employee moves without updating their address. Or a final paycheck gets lost in the mail. The employer holds the check for a while and then reports it to the state controller.

Insurance proceeds often go unclaimed. Life insurance policies pay out when the insured person dies, but beneficiaries may not know the policy exists. Health insurance overpayments, property insurance refunds, and auto insurance claim checks also become unclaimed property. Alpine County has seasonal residents and vacation property owners. Insurance on these properties can generate unclaimed refunds.

Other types of unclaimed property include:

• Stock dividends and mutual fund distributions
• Utility deposits from electric, water, or propane providers
• Escrow accounts from real estate transactions
• Court deposits and legal settlements
• Royalties from mineral rights or timber sales
• Safe deposit box contents from closed boxes
• Matured savings bonds that were never redeemed

Alpine County's economy relies on tourism, recreation, and small businesses. Ski resorts, campgrounds, and other seasonal businesses may hold unclaimed deposits or refunds. Timber companies operating in the area may have unclaimed royalties. Even in a small county, there are many ways for property to become unclaimed.

California Unclaimed Property Law

California's unclaimed property system is governed by state law. The Unclaimed Property Law is found in Code of Civil Procedure sections 1500 through 1582. This law defines unclaimed property and sets the rules for reporting and claiming it. The law applies statewide including in Alpine County.

Holders of unclaimed property must file annual reports with the state controller. Most businesses file by November 1. Life insurance companies file by May 1. Before turning property over to the state, holders must try to contact the owner. Section 1530 requires written notice to the owner's last known address at least six months before the report is filed. If the property is worth $50 or more and the holder has an address, notice is required.

The state controller decides claims under section 1540. The controller must make a decision within 180 days of receiving a complete claim. No interest is paid on claims. If the state held your money for ten years, you only get the original amount. Inflation reduces the real value over time. But at least you get something back.

Businesses that fail to report property face penalties. Willful violations can result in misdemeanor charges under sections 1576 and 1577. Late delivery of property triggers a 12 percent annual interest penalty. These rules encourage Alpine County businesses to comply with the law and turn over property on time.

Local government unclaimed funds follow different rules. Government Code sections 50050 through 50057 apply to cities, counties, and special districts. These entities must publish a notice of unclaimed funds annually. If no one claims the money within three years of publication, it escheats to the local agency's general fund. Alpine County may hold some county-issued warrants or deposits under this law.

Contact Information

For California State Controller unclaimed property, call the toll-free number at (800) 992-4647. The call center is open during regular business hours. If you are calling from outside the United States, dial (916) 323-2827. You can also submit questions through an online contact form on the state website.

Mail paper claims to Chief, Unclaimed Property Division, P.O. Box 942850, Sacramento, CA 94250-5873. For in-person visits or overnight mail, use the physical address at 10600 White Rock Road, Suite 141, Rancho Cordova, CA 95670. The public counter can answer questions and accept claim forms during normal business hours.

For Alpine County general questions, contact the county offices at 99 Water Street, P.O. Box 217, Markleeville, CA 96120. The main phone number is (530) 694-2286. The county will direct you to the state controller for unclaimed property matters. Alpine County does not have a separate unclaimed property program due to its small size.

Other Sources of Unclaimed Money

Several other agencies hold unclaimed money for Alpine County residents. CalPERS manages unclaimed retirement benefits for public employees. If you worked for Alpine County government or a California school district, you may have unclaimed pension funds. Call (888) 225-7377 to search or file a claim.

CalSTRS holds unclaimed property for teachers and school employees. If you taught in Alpine County schools and did not claim your retirement account, CalSTRS may be holding it. Call (800) 228-5453 for assistance.

The California Department of Insurance offers the Life Insurance Policy Locator service. This national database helps you find life insurance policies and annuities when you do not know which company issued the policy. The consumer hotline is (800) 927-4357.

If you are owed a state tax refund, check with the California Franchise Tax Board. Refund checks are valid for six months from the issue date. After that, you must request a new check. Call (800) 852-5711 for help with unclaimed tax refunds.

The California Employment Development Department holds unclaimed unemployment and disability benefits. If you had an uncashed EDD check, file a claim using form DE 903SD. There is no fee. Call (800) 300-5616 for unemployment insurance or (800) 480-3287 for disability insurance questions.

For unpaid wages, the Department of Industrial Relations operates an Unpaid Wage Fund. This fund holds money collected from employers who failed to pay workers. Call (833) 526-4636 to see if you have wages waiting. All of these programs operate separately from the state controller, so check each one if you think you may have unclaimed funds.

Communities in Alpine County

Alpine County has no incorporated cities. Markleeville is the county seat and the main population center. Other communities include Kirkwood, Bear Valley, and Woodfords. All are unincorporated. Despite the small population, residents can still have unclaimed property held by the state controller. Anyone who has lived or worked in Alpine County should search the state database.

Many Alpine County residents work in neighboring counties like El Dorado, Mono, or Douglas County in Nevada. Property from employers in those areas may be held by California or Nevada. Search both state databases if you have worked on both sides of the state line.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Alpine County. If you have lived or worked in multiple counties, search for unclaimed money in each location. The state controller database covers all of California, but it helps to know which counties you have connections to when searching.