Unclaimed Funds in San Francisco

San Francisco Treasurer Program

The San Francisco Treasurer handles unclaimed property for both city and county functions. This includes property tax refunds, uncashed checks from municipal departments, utility deposits, business license fees, and estates of deceased persons without known heirs.

San Francisco's consolidated city-county government simplifies the unclaimed property system. You only need to contact one office instead of separate city and county agencies. This makes searching and claiming property easier for residents.

Under Government Code sections 50050 to 50057, San Francisco must hold unclaimed funds for three years. After that period, some property transfers to the state controller while other funds may remain with the local treasurer depending on the property type and source.

Property tax refunds occur when assessments are reduced, taxes are overpaid, or duplicate payments happen. In a high-value real estate market like San Francisco, even small assessment changes can generate significant refunds. These refunds go unclaimed when property owners move without updating addresses or when properties change hands frequently.

Filing Claims in San Francisco

Contact the San Francisco Treasurer at 628-652-6514 to inquire about unclaimed funds. Provide your name, previous addresses in San Francisco, and the name of any deceased relatives who lived in the city.

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. Requirements vary based on property type.

For uncashed checks, bring identification matching the name on the check. A driver's license or state ID works for most simple claims. If you changed your name, bring documentation such as a marriage certificate or court order.

Property tax refund claims need proof you owned the property or paid the taxes during the relevant period. Old property tax bills, grant deeds, or escrow statements establish ownership. If you sold the property, the settlement statement may show tax prorations supporting your claim.

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. Small estates under certain values can be claimed with an affidavit under Probate Code Section 13100.

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

California State Controller Database

Most unclaimed money in San Francisco is held by the state, not local government. The California State Controller maintains 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 and file claims at any time.

Search the state database by name at no cost. Many San Francisco residents have multiple properties listed. The city's high cost of living and transient population mean people frequently move, leaving behind bank accounts or uncashed paychecks.

Filing state claims is free. Most property can be claimed online at the state controller claim portal. The system generates customized forms with instructions. Simple claims process in 30 to 60 days. Complex claims can take up to 180 days.

Pension and Retirement Benefits

San Francisco city and county employees have retirement accounts through CalPERS. If you worked for the city, county agencies, or public hospitals and left employment without claiming retirement contributions, search CalPERS or call 888-225-7377.

San Francisco Unified School District employees should check CalSTRS for unclaimed property. CalSTRS serves public education workers throughout California. Call 800-228-5453 with questions.

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 and take up to eighteen months to process.

The California Employment Development Department has form DE 903SD for claiming uncashed unemployment or disability checks. No fee is required. Call 800-300-5616 for unemployment or 800-480-3287 for disability insurance.

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.

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 Francisco's program. These laws require local agencies to hold funds for three years before escheating them to the general fund. San Francisco 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.

Search Tips for San Francisco

Search both city-county and state databases. These are separate systems with different property types. San Francisco holds local government funds and estates. The state holds private business property like bank accounts and paychecks.

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 Francisco.

San Francisco has a highly mobile population. Many residents move in and out of the city for work. If you lived in San Francisco temporarily, you may have left behind bank accounts or security deposits. Search even if you only lived here briefly.

The city's high cost of living means even small unclaimed amounts are worth claiming. A forgotten utility deposit or uncashed paycheck could be several hundred dollars.

Check old addresses from different San Francisco neighborhoods. Property may be listed under addresses where you lived years ago.

Be wary of heir finders who 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.