Mariposa County Unclaimed Funds

Mariposa County unclaimed money searches primarily go through the California State Controller. The state holds billions in lost property from across California, including funds belonging to Mariposa County residents. Banks, employers, insurance companies, and other businesses report unclaimed property to the state after periods of inactivity. The county seat in Mariposa handles local government operations, and the county treasurer may hold some local funds. However, the vast majority of unclaimed money for county residents is managed by the state controller in Sacramento. You can search the state database online for free and file claims without paying any fees.

State Controller Unclaimed Property

The California State Controller holds most unclaimed money for Mariposa County residents. The state manages over $11 billion in lost and forgotten property. This includes bank accounts inactive for three years or more, uncashed paychecks, insurance proceeds, stock dividends, and utility deposits. Even small rural counties like Mariposa have residents with unclaimed funds waiting at the state level.

Search the database at the controller's property search portal. Enter your name or business name to see if the state holds property for you. The search is free and shows all property in that name. You can also search for deceased relatives if you are an heir. Results include the property type, approximate value, and the business that reported it.

When you find property, you can file a claim online in many cases. The state controller's claim page walks you through the process. Simple claims take 30 to 60 days. Complex claims involving heirs or securities can take up to 180 days. The state processes all claims for free. You do not need to hire a company. Asset locators may contact you and offer to help for a fee of up to 10 percent. You can avoid this by filing directly with the state.

California law sets different dormancy periods for different types of property. Bank accounts become unclaimed after three years of no activity. Wages must be reported after one year. Money orders take seven years, and traveler's checks take fifteen years. These rules are in Code of Civil Procedure section 1513. Once property reaches the state, there is no time limit for claiming it. Mariposa County residents can file claims decades later if they can prove ownership.

Mariposa County Local Funds

Mariposa County redirects most unclaimed property inquiries to the state controller. The county does not run a large local unclaimed property program. The county treasurer may hold some funds that have not been claimed, such as uncashed checks from county departments or deposits that were never refunded.

Contact the Mariposa County Treasurer at 4982 10th Street, Mariposa, CA 95338 or call (209) 966-2621 to ask about county-held funds. The county follows Government Code sections 50050 to 50057 for local unclaimed money. Under these rules, the county must hold funds for three years before they can escheat to the general fund.

Mariposa County is a small rural county with a population under 20,000. The county economy includes tourism related to Yosemite National Park, small businesses, and government services. Most unclaimed property from these sources ends up with the state controller rather than the county. For the most comprehensive search, check the state database first and then contact the county treasurer if needed.

Note: Mariposa County does not have its own online unclaimed property search system, so all searches should start with the state controller.

How to Claim Unclaimed Property

Start by searching the California State Controller's unclaimed property website. This is where most Mariposa County unclaimed funds are held. When you find property in your name, click on it to start a claim. The site will tell you if you can file online or need to mail a paper claim. Many claims can be completed electronically.

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

Forms you may need:

• Claim Affirmation Form (generated from your search results)
• Declaration Under Probate Code 13101 (for estates under $166,250)
• Table of Heirship (for heirs claiming on behalf 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 will review your claim and send a check if approved. Property is removed from the public database while your claim is being processed.

For county-held funds, you need to file directly with Mariposa County. Contact the treasurer's office at (209) 966-2621 to get the correct forms and instructions. Make sure you know which agency holds your money before you file a claim.

Common Types of Unclaimed Property

Bank accounts are the most common type of unclaimed property. Checking accounts, savings accounts, and CDs become unclaimed after three years of no activity. Mariposa 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.

Uncashed paychecks add up over time. Employers must turn over wages after one year if they cannot locate the employee. This happens when someone moves without updating their address. Mariposa County's economy includes tourism, small businesses, and government jobs. All of these generate unclaimed paychecks each year.

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

Other common types include:

• Stock dividends and mutual fund distributions
• Utility deposits from PG&E and other providers
• Escrow accounts from real estate transactions
• Court deposits and legal settlements
• Royalties from mineral rights or creative works
• Safe deposit box contents

Tax refunds can also go unclaimed. The California Franchise Tax Board holds old refund checks. Refund checks are good for six months. After that, you must request a replacement. Call (800) 852-5711 to claim an old tax refund. This is separate from the state controller's unclaimed property program.

California Unclaimed Property Laws

The Unclaimed Property Law is found in Code of Civil Procedure sections 1500 through 1582. These laws apply in Mariposa County and throughout California. 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 have until May 1. Before turning property over to the state, holders must try to notify the owner. Under section 1530, written notice must be sent at least six months before filing the report.

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. This means your money does not grow while the state holds it.

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.

Other 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.

CalSTRS holds property for teachers and school employees. If you worked in a Mariposa 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 which company held the policy. Call the consumer hotline at (800) 927-4357.

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. 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. Call (833) 526-4636 to see if you have wages waiting.

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 Mariposa County local funds, contact the County Treasurer at 4982 10th Street, Mariposa, CA 95338 or call (209) 966-2621.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Mariposa County. If you lived or worked in multiple counties, search for unclaimed money in each location.