San Diego County Unclaimed Property

San Diego County unclaimed money comes primarily from estates of deceased persons without known heirs. The San Diego County Treasurer-Tax Collector holds these funds and actively works to reunite them with rightful owners. The county runs a robust unclaimed property program serving California's second most populous county with over 3.3 million residents. Funds held include estate proceeds, property tax refunds, and uncashed county checks. Contact the treasurer-tax collector at 877-829-4732 to search for county-held property or check the California State Controller database for private business unclaimed funds.

San Diego County Treasurer Program

The County of San Diego has unclaimed money through estates of deceased that they wish to reunite with its rightful owner. This happens when someone dies without a will or known heirs. The public administrator takes charge of the estate, sells assets, pays debts, and holds remaining funds in trust.

The treasurer-tax collector publishes legal notices trying to locate heirs. These notices appear in local newspapers and on the county website. If you think you may be an heir to an unclaimed estate, contact the treasurer's office with information about your relationship to the deceased person.

Property tax refunds also generate unclaimed funds. Refunds happen when assessments are reduced, taxes are overpaid, or duplicate payments occur. The county issues refund checks, but sometimes they never get cashed. This is common when property owners move without updating their mailing address.

Under Government Code sections 50050 to 50057, counties must hold unclaimed funds for at least three years. San Diego County maintains records beyond this minimum period to help residents claim older property.

Filing Claims with San Diego County

Call the San Diego County Treasurer-Tax Collector at 877-829-4732 to inquire about unclaimed money. Provide your name, the name of any deceased relatives, and addresses where you or they lived in San Diego County.

Staff can search records to see if any funds are held. If they find a match, they will explain the claim process and required documents. Each claim type has different requirements.

Estate claims require proof you are an heir or have legal rights to the property. Bring death certificates, birth certificates showing relationship, marriage licenses, or probate court documents. California allows small estate claims with an affidavit under Probate Code Section 13100 if the total value is under certain limits.

Property tax refund claims need proof you owned the property or paid the taxes. Old tax bills, grant deeds, escrow statements, or settlement statements from property sales can establish your claim.

For uncashed checks, just prove your identity matches the name on the check. Bring a driver's license or state ID. If you changed your name, bring documentation of the change such as a marriage certificate or court order.

Note: San Diego County does not charge fees to file claims for county-held unclaimed property.

California State Controller Database

Most unclaimed money in San Diego County is held by the state, not the county. The California State Controller holds over $11 billion in unclaimed property statewide. This includes bank accounts, paychecks, insurance policies, stock dividends, and safe deposit box contents.

Banks and businesses report property to the state after three years of no owner contact. The state holds funds indefinitely with no deadline to claim. You can search today or twenty years from now.

Search the state database by name at no cost. Many San Diego County residents have multiple properties listed from different sources over the years. You might find old bank accounts from closed credit unions, uncashed paychecks from previous employers, or insurance proceeds.

Filing state claims is free. Most property can be claimed online at the state controller claim portal. The system generates customized claim forms with instructions. Simple claims are processed within 30 to 60 days. Complex claims involving estates or businesses can take up to 180 days.

City of San Diego Unclaimed Funds

The City of San Diego runs its own unclaimed property program separate from the county. The city has $916,418 available to return to more than 800 individuals and businesses. This includes uncashed checks from city departments, utility refunds, business license deposits, and vendor payments.

San Diego is the county seat and largest city with about 1.4 million residents. The city finance department handles unclaimed funds from city operations. Contact them at 619-236-6310 or email unclaimedmonies@sandiego.gov to search for city-held property.

If you lived or did business in the city of San Diego, search both city and county databases. The city handles funds from city government. The county handles estates and property tax refunds. The state handles private business property like bank accounts.

Other San Diego County Cities

San Diego County includes many large cities. Chula Vista has over 275,000 residents and maintains its own unclaimed funds program. Oceanside has roughly 175,000 people. Escondido has about 152,000 residents with a local unclaimed money database. Carlsbad has around 115,000 people. El Cajon has approximately 106,000 residents.

Some of these cities run separate unclaimed property programs. Check city finance departments for locally held funds in addition to county and state searches.

Pension and Retirement Benefits

San Diego County has many public employees with retirement accounts. CalPERS serves county workers, city employees, and public agencies. If you left public employment without claiming retirement contributions, search CalPERS or call 888-225-7377.

Teachers should check CalSTRS for unclaimed property from school employment. CalSTRS handles benefits for public education workers. Call 800-228-5453 with questions.

Military retirees and veterans in San Diego should check federal databases for unclaimed benefits. The Defense Finance and Accounting Service handles military pay and pensions. Many service members stationed at San Diego's military bases may have unclaimed funds.

The California Franchise Tax Board holds unclaimed state income tax refunds. Refund checks are valid for six months. After that, request a replacement. Refunds one to three years old need a letter. Older refunds require form 3900A or 3900B.

California Unclaimed Property Law

Code of Civil Procedure Section 1500 establishes California's unclaimed property law. This statute defines abandoned property and sets dormancy periods for different asset types.

Bank accounts are deemed abandoned after three years of no activity. Paychecks need one year. Money orders take seven years. Traveler's checks require fifteen years before businesses must report them to the state.

Section 1530 requires businesses to file annual reports with the state controller. Most businesses file by November first. The report must list all unclaimed property with owner names and addresses.

Government Code sections 50050 through 50057 govern San Diego County's program. These laws require the county to hold funds for three years before escheating them to the general fund. The county must publish notices giving owners a chance to claim.

Section 1540 gives the state controller 180 days to decide on claims. The state does not pay interest on unclaimed property, so you only receive the original amount.

Search Tips for San Diego County

Search county, city, and state databases. These are separate systems with different property types. The county holds estates and tax refunds. Cities hold municipal funds. The state holds private business property.

Try multiple name variations. Search maiden names, previous married names, and nicknames. Property databases use the name on file when accounts were opened.

Look for deceased relatives. Many heirs don't know family members left unclaimed property. Search for parents and grandparents who lived in San Diego County.

San Diego has a large military presence. If you or a relative served in the military here, check for unclaimed pay or benefits. Service members move frequently and may lose track of accounts.

The county has many retirees who moved here from other states. If you moved to San Diego from elsewhere, search your former state's unclaimed property database too. Property can be held in multiple states.

Be cautious with heir finders. They charge fees up to ten percent. You can claim property yourself at no cost.

Note: Never pay upfront fees to claim unclaimed property from government agencies.