Mendocino County Unclaimed Money Search

Mendocino County unclaimed money searches go through the California State Controller for most types of property. The state holds billions in lost funds from banks, employers, insurance companies, and other businesses. Mendocino County redirects unclaimed property inquiries to the state system rather than running its own large program. You can search the state database online for free to find bank accounts, paychecks, insurance proceeds, and other property. The county treasurer at (707) 234-6875 can answer questions about any local county-held funds. Most unclaimed money for Mendocino County residents ends up with the state controller in Sacramento, which manages property from all 58 California counties.

California State Controller Database

The California State Controller holds most unclaimed property for Mendocino County residents. The state manages over $11 billion in lost and forgotten funds. Banks report accounts that have been inactive for three years. Employers turn over uncashed paychecks after one year. Insurance companies report unclaimed proceeds. All of this property goes to the state controller.

You can search the database at the controller's property search portal. Enter your name or business name to see what the state holds. The search is free. You can also search for deceased relatives if you are an heir. Results show 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 explains the process. Simple claims take 30 to 60 days. Complex claims 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 up to 10 percent of the value. You can avoid this fee by filing directly.

Different types of property have different dormancy periods. Bank accounts become unclaimed after three years. Wages are reportable after one year. Money orders take seven years. 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.

Mendocino County Local Funds

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

Contact the Mendocino County Treasurer at (707) 234-6875 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. The county publishes a notice of unclaimed funds if required by law.

Mendocino County has an economy based on agriculture, timber, fishing, and tourism. The county population is under 100,000, spread across a large rural area. Most unclaimed property from businesses and employers in the county ends up with the state controller rather than staying at the county level. For the best results, search the state database first.

Note: Mendocino County does not have an online unclaimed property search system of its own, so all searches should start with the California State Controller.

Filing a Claim for Unclaimed Property

Start by searching the California State Controller's unclaimed property website. This is where most Mendocino 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.

You need to prove you are the owner. For claims under $1,000, you may only need basic information. 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 heir. Business claims require corporate documents.

Forms you may need:

• Claim Affirmation Form (generated from search results)
• 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 will review your claim and send a check if approved.

For county-held funds, contact Mendocino County at (707) 234-6875 to get the correct forms. 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. Mendocino County has local banks and credit unions that report unclaimed accounts to the state when they cannot reach the owner.

Uncashed paychecks add up over time. Employers turn over wages after one year. This happens when someone moves without updating their address. Mendocino County's economy includes agriculture, timber, fishing, tourism, and small businesses. All of these generate unclaimed paychecks.

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 also become unclaimed. Mendocino County residents should search for insurance-related property if a family member passed away.

Other common types:

• Stock dividends and mutual fund distributions
• Utility deposits from PG&E and other providers
• Escrow accounts from real estate deals
• Court deposits and legal settlements
• Royalties from timber or other resources
• 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. Call (800) 852-5711 to claim an old tax refund.

California Unclaimed Property Laws

The Unclaimed Property Law is in Code of Civil Procedure sections 1500 through 1582. These laws apply in Mendocino County and throughout California.

Holders must file an annual report 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 notify the owner. Under section 1530, written notice must be sent at least six months before filing.

The controller decides whether to approve claims. According to section 1540, the controller has 180 days to decide. No interest is paid on claims.

Penalties apply to holders who do not comply. Willful violations can result in misdemeanor charges under sections 1576 and 1577. Late delivery triggers a 12 percent annual interest penalty.

Additional Unclaimed Property Resources

CalPERS manages retirement benefits for public employees. If you worked for a California government agency, call (888) 225-7377 to search for benefits.

CalSTRS holds property for teachers. If you worked in a Mendocino County school, contact them at (800) 228-5453.

The California Department of Insurance provides access to the Life Insurance Policy Locator. Call (800) 927-4357.

The Employment Development Department handles unclaimed unemployment and disability benefits. Call (800) 300-5616 for UI or (800) 480-3287 for DI.

For unpaid wages, call the Department of Industrial Relations at (833) 526-4636.

Contact Information

For California State Controller unclaimed property, call (800) 992-4647. Outside the U.S., dial (916) 323-2827. You can also use an online form.

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

For Mendocino County local funds, call the county treasurer at (707) 234-6875.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Mendocino County. If you lived or worked in multiple counties, search each one.