Lassen County Unclaimed Property Search

Lassen County unclaimed money can be found through both the state controller and the county treasurer. Most unclaimed property goes to the California State Controller after businesses hold it for three years. Banks, employers, and insurance companies report lost funds to the state. Lassen County also manages its own excess proceeds program from tax sales. When the county sells property for unpaid taxes and money is left over, those funds go into a trust for former owners. You need to search both systems to find all unclaimed money that may belong to you. The county seat in Susanville handles local inquiries, while the state controller in Sacramento manages the bulk of unclaimed property for Lassen County residents.

State Controller Unclaimed Property

The California State Controller holds most unclaimed money for Lassen County residents. The state manages over $11 billion in lost and forgotten property. This includes bank accounts, paychecks, insurance proceeds, and stock dividends. When a business cannot locate the owner after a dormancy period, the property must be turned over to the state. Lassen County is a rural area, but residents still have unclaimed funds waiting at the state level.

You can search the state database at the controller's property search portal. Enter your name or the name of a deceased relative. The search is free and shows all property held in that name. Results include the property type, approximate value, and the business that reported it. If you find property, you can file a claim right away through the same website.

The state controller processes claims at no cost. Simple cash claims take 30 to 60 days. Complex claims involving heirs or securities can take up to 180 days. You do not need to hire a company to help you file. Asset locators may contact you and offer to claim your property for a fee. California law allows them to charge up to 10 percent of the property value. You can avoid this fee by filing directly with the state.

Different types of property have different dormancy periods. Bank accounts must be reported after three years of inactivity. Wages are reportable after one year. Money orders take seven years, and traveler's checks take fifteen years. These periods are set in Code of Civil Procedure section 1513. Once property reaches the state, there is no deadline for claiming it. Lassen County residents can file claims years or even decades later if they can prove ownership.

Lassen County Excess Proceeds Program

Lassen County runs its own program for excess proceeds from tax sales. The county sells property when owners do not pay property taxes for several years. The sale pays off the tax debt, penalties, and costs. If the sale price is higher than what was owed, the leftover money goes to the former owner or any lien holders. This is called excess proceeds.

The Lassen County Treasurer-Tax Collector publishes a list of excess proceeds after each tax sale. The most recent list is for the May 2025 tax sale. You can contact the treasurer at (530) 251-8221 to ask about current excess proceeds. The county holds these funds separately from the state controller's unclaimed property program.

To claim excess proceeds, you must prove you have an interest in the property. Former owners can file claims if they lost the property in a tax sale. Lien holders, such as mortgage companies or contractors who had a claim on the property, can also file. The county treasurer will ask for documents showing your legal interest. This may include deeds, loan documents, or court judgments.

Excess proceeds claims are governed by state law but handled locally. Each county sets its own procedures and deadlines. Lassen County follows the rules for tax sales under the Revenue and Taxation Code. If you think you may have excess proceeds from a Lassen County tax sale, contact the treasurer right away. There may be deadlines for filing claims, unlike state controller property which has no time limit.

Note: Lassen County also follows Government Code sections 50050 to 50057 for other types of local unclaimed funds.

Filing a Claim in Lassen County

Start by searching the California State Controller's unclaimed property site. This covers most unclaimed money for Lassen County residents. When you find property in your name, click on it to start a claim. The site will tell you whether you can file online or need to mail a paper form. Many claims can be completed electronically.

You need to prove you own the property. For small claims under $1,000, you may only need basic information like your name, address, and Social Security number. Larger claims require notarization. If you are claiming on behalf of a deceased person, you need a death certificate and proof you are the heir. Business claims require corporate documents like articles of incorporation.

Forms you may need:

• Claim Affirmation Form (generated when you find property)
• Declaration Under Probate Code 13101 (for estates under $166,250)
• Table of Heirship (for heirs of deceased owners)
• Safe Deposit Box Property Release Form (if claiming box contents)

Mail paper claims to Chief, Unclaimed Property Division, P.O. Box 942850, Sacramento, CA 94250-5873. You can also visit the public counter at 10600 White Rock Road, Suite 141, Rancho Cordova, CA 95670. The controller reviews claims and sends checks to approved claimants. Your property is removed from the public database while the claim is being processed.

For Lassen County excess proceeds, you need to file directly with the county treasurer. Call (530) 251-8221 to get the forms and instructions. The county has its own claim process that is different from the state controller. Make sure you know which agency holds your money before you file.

Types of Unclaimed Property

Bank accounts are the most common unclaimed property. Checking accounts, savings accounts, and CDs become unclaimed after three years of no activity. Lassen County residents may have forgotten accounts at local banks or credit unions. When a financial institution cannot reach the owner, the account is reported to the state controller.

Uncashed paychecks add up over time. Employers turn over wages after one year if they cannot locate the employee. This happens when someone moves without updating their address. Lassen County's economy includes government jobs, agriculture, and small businesses. All of these generate unclaimed paychecks each year. Final paychecks from jobs you left are a common source of unclaimed funds.

Insurance proceeds often go unclaimed. Life insurance policies pay out when the insured dies, but beneficiaries may not know the policy exists. Property insurance refunds and auto insurance claim checks also become unclaimed. Health insurance overpayments are another source. Lassen County residents should search for insurance-related property if a family member passed away or if they had an old policy.

Other common types:

• Stock dividends and mutual fund distributions
• Utility deposits from energy and phone companies
• Escrow accounts from real estate deals
• Court deposits and legal settlements
• Royalties from oil, gas, or creative works
• Safe deposit box contents
• Matured savings bonds

Tax refunds can also go unclaimed. The California Franchise Tax Board holds old refund checks. Refund checks expire after six months. If you did not cash your check, request a replacement by calling (800) 852-5711. This is separate from the state controller's program.

Lassen County excess proceeds are a unique type of unclaimed money. They come from property tax sales. When the county auctions a property for unpaid taxes, the sale price may exceed the debt. The extra money belongs to the former owner or lien holders. Even rural properties can generate excess proceeds if they sell for more than expected at auction.

Unclaimed Property Laws in California

California's unclaimed property system is governed by the Unclaimed Property Law in Code of Civil Procedure sections 1500 through 1582. These laws apply in Lassen County and throughout the state. The law defines what property must be reported and sets the rules for claiming it.

Holders of unclaimed property must file an annual report with the state controller. Most businesses file by November 1 each year. Life insurance companies file by May 1. Before turning property over to the state, holders must try to contact the owner. Under section 1530, written notice must be sent at least six months before filing the report. This gives owners a chance to claim their property before it goes to the state.

The state controller decides whether to approve or deny claims. According to section 1540, the controller has 180 days to decide on a complete claim. No interest is paid on claims. Your money does not grow while the state holds it. Inflation can reduce the value of old funds over time.

Penalties apply to holders who do not comply with the law. 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 ensure that businesses in Lassen County and across California follow the law.

County-level unclaimed money is governed by Government Code sections 50050 through 50057. Local agencies must hold unclaimed funds for three years before they can escheat to the general fund. The county must publish a notice of unclaimed funds. If no one claims the money within three years of publication, it becomes county property.

Additional Unclaimed Property Resources

Several California agencies hold unclaimed money separate from the controller's program. CalPERS manages retirement benefits for public employees. If you worked for a California government agency, you may have unclaimed pension funds. Call (888) 225-7377 to search for benefits. Lassen County government workers should check CalPERS for unclaimed retirement accounts.

CalSTRS holds property for teachers and school employees. If you worked in a Lassen County school and did not claim your retirement account, CalSTRS may have your money. Contact them at (800) 228-5453 to file a claim.

The California Department of Insurance provides access to the Life Insurance Policy Locator. This tool helps you find policies when you do not know the insurance company. Call the consumer hotline at (800) 927-4357. Use this service if a family member died and may have had a life insurance policy.

The Employment Development Department handles unclaimed unemployment and disability benefits. If you had an uncashed check from EDD, 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.

For unpaid wages, the Department of Industrial Relations runs an Unpaid Wage Fund. This fund holds money collected from employers who did not pay workers. Call (833) 526-4636 to see if you have wages waiting. Check each of these programs separately if you think you may have funds in Lassen County or elsewhere in California.

Contact Information

For California State Controller unclaimed property, call (800) 992-4647 during regular business hours. If calling from outside the United States, dial (916) 323-2827. You can also contact the controller through an online form.

Mail claims to Chief, Unclaimed Property Division, P.O. Box 942850, Sacramento, CA 94250-5873. For in-person visits or overnight mail, use 10600 White Rock Road, Suite 141, Rancho Cordova, CA 95670.

For Lassen County excess proceeds or local unclaimed funds, contact the Treasurer-Tax Collector at (530) 251-8221. The office is located in Susanville. Visit the county website for more information on local programs.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Lassen County. If you lived or worked in multiple counties, search for unclaimed money in each location. The state controller database covers all of California, but county excess proceeds are managed locally.