Modoc County Unclaimed Property

Modoc County unclaimed money searches go through the California State Controller for most property types. The state holds billions in lost funds from banks, employers, insurance companies, and other businesses across California. Modoc County also has its own local unclaimed property program managed by the county tax collector. You can contact the Modoc County Tax Collector at (530) 233-6223 for county-held funds. Most unclaimed money for Modoc County residents ends up with the state controller in Sacramento. The county seat in Alturas handles local government operations. You should search both the state and county systems to find all money that may belong to you.

California State Controller Database

The California State Controller holds most unclaimed money for Modoc 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. Even in small rural counties like Modoc, residents have 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 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.

Modoc County Local Programs

Modoc County runs its own unclaimed property program managed by the tax collector. The county holds funds that have not been claimed from local government operations. This can include uncashed checks from county departments, deposits that were never refunded, and other local monies.

Contact the Modoc County Tax Collector at (530) 233-6223 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.

Modoc County is the least populous county in California with under 9,000 residents. The county economy includes ranching, farming, and government services. Most unclaimed property from businesses and employers in the county ends up with the state controller rather than the county. For the best results, search the state database first and then contact the county tax collector if needed.

Note: Modoc County provides information about its programs through the tax collector's office in Alturas.

Filing a Claim

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

For county-held funds, contact Modoc County at (530) 233-6223 to get the correct forms.

Types of Unclaimed Property

Bank accounts are the most common unclaimed property. Checking accounts, savings accounts, and CDs become unclaimed after three years. Modoc County has local banks 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. Modoc County's economy includes ranching, agriculture, 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.

Other common types:

• Stock dividends and mutual fund distributions
• Utility deposits from energy providers
• Escrow accounts from real estate deals
• Court deposits and legal settlements
• Safe deposit box contents

Tax refunds can also go unclaimed. The California Franchise Tax Board holds old refund checks. 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 Modoc 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.

Additional Resources

CalPERS manages retirement benefits for public employees. Call (888) 225-7377 to search for benefits.

CalSTRS holds property for teachers. 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 UI and DI benefits. Call (800) 300-5616 for UI or (800) 480-3287 for DI.

For unpaid wages, call (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 Modoc County local funds, call the tax collector at (530) 233-6223.

Nearby Counties

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